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Mosquitoes & West Nile Virus

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1. Where are the breeding grounds for mosquitoes?

• Tin cans


• Old tires


• Decorative ponds and fountains


• Bird baths


• Horse troughs


• Overgrown ditches


• Urban lakes


• Unmaintained swimming pools


• Open septic tanks


• Sewage and industrial waste ponds


• Irrigation or rainwater that ponds for more than three days


• Over-irrigated or poorly leveled yards and pastures


• Tail-water ponds


• Desert ponds


• Stock tanks


• Backed up washes and flood control drainage areas

Mosquitoes are active during the nighttime hours, indoors, and outdoors.

2. What are some ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding?

• Clear debris from property - wet leaves, yard waste, and other trash can be a breeding ground


• Eliminate pools of stagnant water


• Keep swimming pools treated and circulating


• Check and eliminate places that accumulate water


• Keep fountains operating or drain the water


• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets


• Empty water from outdoor containers, old tires, tarps, and unused swimming pools


• Turn outdoor buckets and containers upside down to prevent water form accumulating


• Install yellow light bulbs in outdoor lamps - mosquitoes are not attracted to yellow light


• Limit outdoor activity after sunset - mosquitoes are most active at night


• Repair window screens - these are effective barriers against mosquitoes entering the home


• Keep doors closed


• Use insecticides sparingly and carefully - read label instructions carefully


• Wear insect repellents