Prevention:
All mosquitoes require water in which to breed. Even the smallest bit of water can hold thousands of mosquito larvae. Prevent mosquitoes from by draining or replacing often any standing water around your house and make sure you check places like:
- Old tires
- Pet’s water bowls
- Bird baths
- Empty garbage bins or recycling containers
Swimming Pools and Ponds
Maintain your swimming pools to keep mosquitoes from using it as a breeding ground. Try to cover the pool when not in use. Treat ponds with a wild-life friendly bacterial insecticide that kill mosquito larvae, but keeps fish and animals safe. You can also stock your pond with fish (guppy and goldfish) that eat mosquitoes.
Plants
Some plants are natural deterrents and help keep mosquitoes away. Keep any of these plants in the yard or on the patio to repel mosquitoes:
- Lemongrass
- Lavender
- Marigolds
- Geranium
- Catnip
- Verbena
Protection:
Even when you’ve done all you can to keep mosquitoes away, you can still be at risk for mosquito-borne illnesses. Protect yourself from bites by wearing the correct attire outdoors and using mosquito repellent.
Mosquito Repellent
When choosing a repellent, looking for ones with at least 15-30% DEET. A higher percent of active ingredient is best when you plan on being outdoors for a long period of time. With a lower concentration you may have to reapply more often. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to test the repellent on a small section of your skin before full application or try a natural alternative.
Natural Repellents
- Citronella
- Tea Tree Oil
- Eucalyptus Oi
- Geraniol
- Neem Oil
- Soy Bean Oil
Clothing
While mosquito repellent can help protect you from getting bit, it is not 100% effective and does not kill mosquitoes. Repellents only block mosquito sensors so they cannot detect you when searching for a blood meal. Wearing light colored and loose fitting clothing can help reduce being bitten. If practical, wear pants and long sleeves.
Mosquito Prevention Survey