March 29, 2009

Tips on How to Avoid Exposure to Mosquitoes

An important aspect of mosquito control is the need for an active education campaign. Residents must be made aware of the need to control mosquitoes in their neighborhoods as well as what measures should be taken on a regular basis to minimize their contact with mosquitoes.Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors during early morning or evening hours when mosquitoes are most active. Mosquito repellents should be applied to exposed skin according to label directions. Please read labels carefully, especially when applying to young children. (Products containing DEET have been shown to be the most effective for reducing mosquito bites.)Prevent mosquito entrance into structures by repairing or installing window and door screening.Image of standing water Eliminate standing water around the property. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Residential sources such as improperly maintained swimming or wading pools and spas can breed thousands of mosquitoes in just a few weeks. Other common sources include clogged rain gutters, buckets, rain filled trash cans or wheel barrows, water trays under flower pots, persistent puddles from sources such as leaky faucets, water pipes, or sprinkler heads, or any other debris or object that can hold water. Even water standing in discarded tires and soda cans will breed mosquitoes.Our District strives to provide the safest and most effective mosquito control possible. Protecting the quality of the environment is a top priority. Outstanding advances in mosquito control methods over the past 100 years have significantly improved both the quality and the level of control while also minimizing negative impacts on the environment.
San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector ControlArticle on Repellent EffectivenessCDC West Nile Virus Home Page