Eliminate pools of stagnant water in your yard.

• Empty water from outdoor containers, old tires, tarps and unused swimming pools.

• Turn outdoor buckets and containers upside down to prevent water from accumulating

• Put drain holes in trash barrels

• Clean gutters

Clear debris from curbs and roadside ditches

• Wet leaves, yard waste and other trash can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes

Repair window screens.

• Window screens are effective barriers against mosquitoes entering your home.

• Keep windows and doors closed.

Install yellow light bulbs in outdoor lamps.

• These bulbs will not attract mosquitoes like white light bulbs.

Use natural predators to limit mosquito populations.

• Minnows or goldfish can be placed in backyard ponds to prey on mosquitoes.

• Dragonfly larvae and aquatic beetles are predators of mosquito larvae.

Dress properly

• Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts

• Limit use of scented antiperspirants, perfumes, and colognes if spending time outdoors. The smell of these products attracts mosquitoes and other insects.

Wear insect repellents

• Repellents containing DEET have been found to be most effective. Follow label directions with any insect repellent.

Limit outdoor activity at nightfall

• Dusk and nighttime is when mosquitoes are most active.

Use insecticides sparingly and carefully

• Insecticides should be used to control mosquitoes only as a last resort because they can affect other insects and animals, as well as humans.

• Chemicals designed for use against mosquito larvae are preferable to those to be used against adult mosquitoes. Always read and closely follow label directions before using.

Call the Neighborhood Action Line to report trash and nuisances

• Call 529-9999 day or night to report trash, code violations, abandoned vehicles or other problems which can help contribute to unsafe situations