Mosquito Prevention Tips

Mosquitoes can lay up to 250 eggs at a time in still water and will hatch in 7 to 10 days. However, if you and your neighbors take steps to eliminate standing water from around your home, the mosquito population will be reduced dramatically. Consider the following tips to prevent mosquitos from ruining your outdoor activities:

• Make sure your gutters are clean and running properly; Adjust them as necessary to provide proper drainage.
• Take a look around your property and store anything that might collect water indoors. These items include wheel barrows, old tires, hubcaps, toys, kiddie pools, pool covers, tarps, plastic sheeting, garden equipment, boats, canoes, and anything else that may retain water.
• Remove standing water in ponds, ditches, clogged rain gutters, flower pots, plant saucers and puddles.
• Cover all rain barrels, garbage cans and recycling containers with lids.
• Clean and rinse birdbaths at least weekly.
• Check that outdoor lighting and lawn ornaments are not holding water.

For more information about mosquito prevention and the West Nile Virus, please visit the Montgomery County Health Department website.

Thanks to Mike Taylor for providing these guidelines.