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What to know
- Everyone can help control mosquitoes.
- You, your neighbors, and the community can take steps to reduce mosquitoes in and around homes and in your neighborhood.
- Take the following steps to control mosquitoes that can spread germs that make people sick.
Control mosquitoes outside your home
Remove standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs
- Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.
- Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
- For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
- Fill tree holes to prevent them from filling with water.
- Repair cracks or gaps in your septic tank if you have one. Cover open vent or plumbing pipes. Use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
Kill mosquito larvae outside your home
- Use larvicides to treat large bodies of water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be covered or dumped out.
- When using larvicides, always follow label instructions.
- Drain and turn over kiddie pools.
Kill mosquitoes outside your home
- Use an outdoor adulticide to kill adult mosquitoes in areas where they rest.
- Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid areas like under patio furniture or under the carport or garage.
- When using adulticides, always follow label instructions.
Get information on insecticides and health
The Environmental Protection Agency oversees the registration of these chemicals. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) provides information online or through a toll-free number, 1-800-858-7378.
Control mosquitoes inside your home
Keep mosquitoes out
To keep mosquitoes outside of your home, you can:
- Install or repair and use window and door screens.
- Close doors, including garage doors. Do not leave doors propped open.
- Use air conditioning when possible.
Control mosquitoes inside your home
Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid places like under sinks, in showers, in closets, under furniture, or in the laundry room. Mosquitoes entering your house from outdoors can start laying eggs indoors. Take the following steps:
- Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water, such as vases or flowerpot saucers, to remove mosquito eggs and larvae.
- Use an indoor insecticide if you still have mosquitoes in your home after installing and repairing screens and emptying and scrubbing containers.
- Hire a pest control professional to treat areas inside your home.
About indoor insect spray or fogger
An indoor insect spray or fogger will kill mosquitoes and treat areas where they rest.
- These products work quickly but may need to be reapplied.
- Always follow label directions.
- Using only an indoor insecticide will not keep your home free of mosquitoes.
Find a pest control professional
The National Pest Management Association offers tips on finding a pest control professional. Review their tips to help make a decision.