Preventing Mosquitoes in Your Backyard
Simple tasks done on a regular basis will help protect your
home against
mosquitoes.
Did you know that most mosquitoes lay "egg rafts" and that each one can
contain between 100 to 400 eggs? It only takes approximately seven days
to go from egg to adult mosquito. Therefore here are some easy steps to
help control mosquitoes in your backyard.
Ornamental Ponds
Stock with mosquitofish. Add goldfish for looks if desired. Avoid
spraying with garden insect sprays. Remove leaves and thin out pond
lilies. Keep water level up. Screen inlet of recirculation pump.
Chlorine kills fish-- transfer fish to glass bowl when cleaning pond. If
pond is no longer desired, break holes in bottom and fill with dirt or
sand.
Concrete or Plastic Swimming Pools
Operate filter and skimmer everyday to remove mosquito egg rafts and
larvae. Provide drainage for filter and pump sumps. Chlorine will NOT
kill mosquito larvae. If pool cover is used, keep it tightly sealed.
Remove rainwater from top of pool cover. Stock unused or
"out-of-order" pools with mosquitofish.
Boats
Prevent accumulation of bilge water. Store small boats upside down or
cover to keep out the rain and water from sprinklers.
Other kinds of Containers
Remove and dispose of all unused containers that will collect rain or
water from sprinklers.
- Cans
- Jars
- Barrels
- Old Tires
- Buckets
- Tubs, etc.
Home gardeners rooting plant cuttings in vases, buckets, etc. should
change water every week.
Usable containers should be stored upside down.