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Controlling Mosquitoes at Home

Residents can reduce mosquito numbers in their home and neighborhood by removing breeding sources around their homes. Water-holding containers such as bird baths, pet water dishes, plant saucers, children's pools, boats, and junk such as old tires and discarded appliances are ideal breeding spots.

Traveling abroad? Check the Centers for Disease Control for any mosquito alerts and travel advisories.

Tips to reduce mosquito presence

  • Repair screening on windows, doors, porches and patios
  • Keep gutters clear so they will drain properly
  • Check and empty:
    • Children's toys
    • Untreated swimming pools
    • Uncovered boats/watercrafts that are not draining water
    • Trash cans and lids
  • Change water in birdbaths and flush bromeliads once or twice a week
  • Stock untreated and decorative pools with mosquito fish
  • Do not allow water to accumulate at the base of flower pots or in pet dishes for more than two days
  • Check around faucets and air conditioner units and repair leaks or puddles that remain for several days
  • Remove, drain or fill tree holes and stumps with mortar
  • Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days
  • Cut down weeds adjacent to home and in yards, and mow the lawn regularly

Mosquito repellents and avoiding contact with them

DEET is the most effective mosquito repellent. The 20-30% concentration works well for most people. Use according to label directions, and do not apply to infants.

Miami-Dade residents can help reduce the nuisance caused by mosquitoes by remembering the "five Ds:"

  • Dusk and Dawn — avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Dress — wear long, loose, light-colored clothing that covers the skin.
  • DEET — use mosquito repellants that contain DEET
  • Drainage — eliminate standing water around the home in places such as buckets, cans, old tires and plant containers.

Bug zappers kill many kinds of insects, including moths and beetles. Mosquitoes make up a very small percentage of the insects that are killed by bug zappers. Bug zappers do more harm than good.

How mosquitoes breed

Mosquitoes must have water to develop. The eggs are laid on water, or moist soil that may flood. Upon hatching, they go through several stages of development, and emerge as adult mosquitoes in about one week.

Female mosquitoes mate with male mosquitoes and fly off in search of a blood meal. They lay eggs a few days later, and the cycle begins again.

If you cannot view PDF Get Acrobat! files, you can download Acrobat Reader  for free from Adobe Systems, Inc. In order to use PDF files, you must have Acrobat installed on your computer.

Back to Top Page Last Edited: Wed Jul 11, 2012 11:11:59 AM
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