Warm weather & standing Water
With all the rain and standing water followed by a warm up, we have the perfect mosquito breeding situation. Please take some time and police your yards and property for ANYTHING that holds water and dump it. Below are some examples of what you can do to help.
1. Tip containers to drain water
Mosquitoes don’t need much water to breed, so reducing — if not eliminating — standing water is the first step in eradicating the mosquito threat. “We create all sorts of areas for water to collect, which provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes, noting that a 6-inch-diameter plant saucer with only a half-inch of water can be enough for mosquitoes to reproduce. The District advises tipping any item that contains stagnant water, such as plant saucers, dog bowls and
birdbaths, on a regular basis. Then, if needed, fill them with fresh water.
2. Toss unnecessary items
Really, we’re our own worst enemy. We create mosquito habitats close to our house. So if your yard is full of items that you don’t need and that are holding water, get rid of them. Old tires, for example, are notorious for retaining water that allows mosquitoes to breed. Take them to the dump or, if you’re using one for a swing, drill a hole in the bottom so the water can leak out. Also, clean your gutters so the water can drain freely. Trees and plants near the house provide shade and housing for mosquitoes, while stagnant water and organic material, such as leaves, give mosquitoes everything they need to breed and survive. The better manicured lawn, with brush trimmed back, eliminates the areas that can be used as habitats.
3. Turn over buckets and pools
Kids’ toys, buckets, wading pools and anything else that holds water but you don’t want to throw out should be flipped over when not in use. For water that can’t be drained, such as what accumulates in fish ponds or ditches, call us and we can take a look at the area for possible treatment with BTI.
4. Tie your tarps tightly
If you’re using a tarp to cover a pile of firewood, boat, your grill or any other large items, make sure it’s pulled tight. Otherwise, rainwater pools in the folds and the low spots. If the tarp can’t be pulled tight, remove it so the water drains.