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The Buzz About Mosquito Prevention

Summer and mosquitos go hand in hand, but residents can do few simple steps to reduce the number on their property. Residents should inspect their yards and spend time cleaning up, reducing yard clutter, and dumping out any stagnant water sources.  Residents may also purchase a variety of mosquito control and repellent products from most home and garden centers.  Performing a community-wide cleanup helps reduce mosquito populations.  Municipalities are encouraged to help promote cleaning up to reduce mosquito concerns and disease risk.  Stormwater management systems can sometimes contribute to mosquito populations and are also monitored by CCHD’s Mosquito Borne Disease Control Program.
 
Many of the most common mosquito species in residential areas come from artificial containers left behind by people. Artificial containers can be something as small as a bottle cap and as large as a swimming pool. Mosquitoes prefer additional containers such as tires, buckets, and tarps because other predators found in nature that would prey on mosquito larvae are not present.  During periods of drought, these containers continue to hold water and produce mosquitoes. One bucket or tire in someone’s backyard can produce hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes in a year.
 
Mosquitoes can complete their life cycle within five to seven days during May-October. Residents are encouraged to use mosquito repellents when spending time outside.  Individuals who don’t like to use repellents can use an electric fan outside on a porch or patio.  Mosquitoes don’t like the wind, and the fan can help keep them away.  As a last resort, residents can also purchase insecticides from garden centers and hardware stores to apply in their own yard but must follow the label instructions.