The American Mosquito Control Association, www.mosquito.org, reports that there are over 2,500 different species of mosquitoes around the world. Out of all of these species, there is one thing that every mosquito has in common: they breed in wet areas. The best way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate their breeding sites. Here are some breeding control tips:
- Do not allow water to accumulate anywhere in your yard for more than two days. Cans, buckets, pots, plastic swimming pools and tires are all containers that tend to collect and hold water. Removing these items will help control the number of mosquitoes that hatch in your yard.
- Keep your gutters clean. If leaves or other debris clog your gutters and prevent them from draining, water will accumulate in the gutter system, providing the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Do not over-water your lawn or garden. This may cause water to be left standing for more than one day.
- If your cistern, septic tank or cesspool seeps, fixing the problem will help control the number of mosquitoes that plague your yard.
- Filling swampy areas, ditches and drain puddles will eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. If filling is not possible, these areas may be treated with commercial mosquito control products.
- If you have a backyard pond, stock it with mosquito fish (minnows). These fish eat mosquitoes and their larvae.
- Change the water in your wading pool or birdbaths at least once per week. Stagnant water makes the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
