Prevention - Clean Up around the Yard

Take a look around your property and get rid of mosquito-friendly places:

Any type of standing water

• Clean up and empty containers of standing water: old tires, flower pots, wheel-barrows, barrels or tin cans, etc.
• Empty and clean bird baths once a week.
• Cover rainwater barrels with mesh or screen.

Swimming or wading pools

• Remove water that collects on pool covers.
• Make sure the pool's pump is working properly.
• Turn over wading pools when not in use.

Check eaves and drains

• Don't let things pile up. Clear leaves and twigs from eavestroughs, storm and roof gutters throughout the summer.
• Make sure drainage ditches are not clogged.
• Check flat roofs frequently for standing water.

Yard and lawn maintenance

• Fill in low depressions in lawn areas.
• Cut lawn frequently.
• Turn over compost frequently
• Clear away lawn cuttings, raked leaves or other decaying debris such as apples or berries that fall from trees.
• Clear out dense shrubbery where mosquitoes like to breed and rest.

Check windows

• Check window and door screens for holes; make sure they fit snugly into frames.