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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
• Un-maintained 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.  For more information, contact Maricopa County Vector Control at (602) 506-0700 

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

For more information, contact Maricopa County Vector Control at (602) 506-0700.