Homeowners can effectively reduce the number of mosquitoes around their homes and neighborhoods by eliminating standing water where mosquitoes grow and breed.  Read the following tips.

• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed so that adult mosquitoes will not hide there in the daytime.
• Use a fine mesh screen on top of rain barrels so that female adults cannot reach the water surface to lay eggs.
• Screen windows, doors and other openings with mesh.
• Change bird bath water weekly.
• Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store them inside when not in use.  Unused backyard swimming pools may also create breeding problems.
• Keep eaves troughs clean of leaves and debris.
• Keep ditches, drains, and culverts clear of weeds and trash so that water will drain properly.
• Fill in or drain low spots in your yard.
• Old tires, cans, pails, and other water holding containers are ideal breeding sites.  Store them upside down or get rid of them.
• Drain water from tarps or plastic sheeting which covers wood piles, boats, etc.
• Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps with sand or concrete.
• Keep boats/canoes covered or upside down.
• Avoid going outdoors when and where mosquitoes are most active: during dusk or dawn.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin whenever or wherever mosquitoes are likely to bite.