MOSQUITO PREVENTION:
DRESS, DEFEND, DRAIN & DUMP

DRAIN & DUMP

You can reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home neighborhood by eliminating places where they lay their eggs. Young mosquitoes are aquatic, and they must have standing water to develop from egg to adult. Here are some simple steps you can take:

potted plant filled with water

Dispose of open containers which can fill with water.

old tire that can collect water

Properly dispose of discarded tires.

rain gutter illustration

Check and clean clogged roof gutters so they will drain properly.

covered trash can to keep water out

Cover trash containers to prevent rainwater accumulation.

rain barrel collecting water

Cover rain barrels
with screening.

Tightly cover wells,
septic tanks, cisterns,
and cesspools.

Empty birdbaths & fill them with fresh water at least
once a week.

beach toys that can collect water

Empty or turn over
children’s toys.

Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.

Turn over wheelbarrows.

kayak illustration

Turn over boats and canoes.

Tarps covering patio furniture, cars, boats, & other equipment can hold water.

DRESS & DEFEND

The best way to defend yourself against mosquitoes is to try and avoid mosquito-infested areas or stay indoors when mosquitoes are active during the peak biting times of dawn and dusk. Also, make sure your home is properly equipped with tight-fitting doors and window screens that will keep mosquitoes from coming inside. If you are outside during times of the day when mosquitoes are active, following these tips can help reduce your chances of being bitten.

  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure.

  • Wear light-colored clothing, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.

  • Avoid excessive physical exertion.

  • Use colognes and perfumes sparingly.

  • Use mosquito repellent.

  • DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) remains the standard by which all other repellents are measured. DEET was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was registered for use by the general public in the 1950s. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that all family members over the age of two months can use DEET-based repellents with up to 30% concentration with confidence. Be sure to read the ingredient labels for any repellent that you choose and follow the recommended use directions.  Consult the American Mosquito Control Association website for more information on the various types of mosquito repellent active ingredients and devices.

    Learn More from AMCA

Dress and defend infographic

CHECK YOUR HOME

Inspect this home for examples of places that could breed mosquitoes and what you could do to eliminate them: