Mosquito Control Tips

Mosquitoes are not only pests, but can spread disease as well. Mosquitoes require water to complete their life cycle (egg to adult), which can occur in as little as 5-7 days. A large portion of mosquitoes are produced in residential backyards in small breeding sources. Any water-holding container, even as small as a bottle cap, can produce mosquitoes. Common mosquito breeding sources that you may have around your property include the following:

· Children’s toys, wheelbarrows and other items left outside that could hold water

· Water holding plants and plant saucers

· Rain barrels

· Green pools, ornamental ponds and bird baths

Below are some tips to mosquito-proof your home:

· Dump and drain any unnecessary items that could hold water around your home and property

· Cover empty containers with a lid or turn upside down to prevent water from accumulating

· After dumping water, clean and scrub bird baths, pots and pet bowls weekly

· Drill a hole or puncture potted plants to eliminate standing water

· Check that gutters are not holding water and cover rain barrels with tight screening so that mosquitoes cannot enter

If you believe there may be a mosquito breeding source on or near your property, you can contact Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control at 714-971-2421, who will dispatch an officer to identify and breeding sources. They will provide free mosquitofish if there is a body of water that is identified as a breeding source.