Prevention & Protection

Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sources

Empty all sources of standing water on your property, including in flower pots, old tires, children’s toys and buckets.  Remember, mosquitoes can lay their eggs in sources of water as small as a bottle cap.  Stock ornamental ponds and water troughs with mosquitofish.  Make sure rain barrels are properly covered or screened to exclude mosquitoes.  Clean and change water in birdbaths at least once a week.

Wear Mosquito Repellant 

Apply insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients, including DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 according to label instructions.  Repellents keep mosquitoes from biting.  DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.  If you are being bitten by mosquitoes during the day, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.  For more information on insect repellents visit the CDC website.

Defend

When practical dress in long sleeves and pants when spending time outdoors.  Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.  Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.  Avoid outside activity during peak mosquito biting times, dusk and dawn.