Vector-Borne Diseases

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

The best way to prevent illness is to take steps to avoid mosquito bites. The public is asked to follow these tips to eliminate standing water and protect themselves from the bites of mosquitoes as much as possible:

  • Use EPA-registered insect repellents when outdoors and wear protective clothing.
  • Empty water from flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels and trash cans at least once or twice a week.
  • Clear clogged rain gutters.
  • Check for and remove any containers or trash that may be difficult to see, such as under bushes and homes or around building exteriors.
  • Dispose of unused tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have accumulated at your property.
  • Drill holes in the bottom and elevate recycling containers left outdoors.
  • Repair and clean storm-damaged roof gutters, especially if leaves from surrounding trees tend to clog drains. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
  • Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
  • Avoid allowing water to stagnate in bird baths.
  • Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens become major mosquito producers if they stagnate.
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, including those not in use. An untended swimming pool can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Also, be aware that mosquitoes may develop in the water that collects on pool covers.
  • Stay in air-conditioned places or rooms with window screens that prevent access by mosquitoes.
  • If a mosquito problem remains after taking the above steps, call your county mosquito control agency and ask for assistance. There are larval habitats that may only be appropriately addressed by local mosquito control programs.

Additional Mosquito-Borne Resources:

Tick-Borne Diseases

Additional Resources