Homeowner Information

What can you do?

Preventing Mosquito Bites

Use insect repellent

Some insect repellents are extremely effective at preventing mosquito bites and, when used correctly, do not pose a health concern.  Repellents containing DEET or Picaridin have been shown to be the most effective.  See the links below for additional information.

• EPA-How to Use Insect Repellents Safely
• CDC-Insect Repellent Use and Safety
• CDC-What You Need to Know about Mosquito Repellent

Wear protective clothing

Cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, socks, and pants.  Wear heavy clothing if possible, as mosquitoes can bite through some thin clothing.  Also, treating clothing with a repellent such as permethrin will provide added protection.

Avoid mosquitoes

Although a few species of mosquitoes will bite during the daytime, most mosquitoes are active between dusk and dawn.  Peak hours are from just before dark until 2-3 hours after dark.  Try to avoid the outdoors during those times.  During the daytime, mosquitoes rest in humid shaded areas.  Avoid these areas such as woodlands, marshes, wetlands, etc., whenever possible.  Mosquitoes will feed even during the daytime if you get close enough to where they are resting.

Preventing Mosquitoes Around the Home

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water.  Eliminating sources of standing water will prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home.  Anything that can hold water for more than a few days can produce mosquitoes.  Check your home for the following common problem areas.

Swimming Pools

Neglected swimming pools are a common source of mosquito production.  Organic debris in the pool attracts mosquitoes.  Large sources of water like this can produce huge numbers of mosquitoes.  Keeping pool water clean and clear will prevent mosquito breeding.  When the pool is not in use, drain it or cover it to keep organic mater out and keep the water clean in the off season.

Bird Baths

Bird baths are often set up and forgotten about.  The small amount of water in a bird bath will quickly stagnate.  Change the water in bird baths regularly to keep it clean.  Inspect it regularly and dump out the water if mosquito larvae are found.

Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters hold a lot of organic matter and water.  Keep gutters clean so that water flows freely through them.  Trim back tree limbs which hang over your roof to prevent leaves and twigs from falling into your gutters.  Be sure that the water that flows out of your downspout does not pool around the base of your house.

Decorative Ponds

Keep the water clean to prevent mosquito breeding.  Also, installing a pump or fountain to agitate the water will discourage mosquitoes from laying eggs there.  Drain them when not in use.

Containers

Eliminate or invert all containers which hold water.  Or, punch holes in the bottom to keep them from holding water.

Tarps

Make sure that tarps are pulled taut to avoid low spots which can hold water.

Leaky Spigots

Leaky faucets and spigots will create a constant pool of water in your yard.  Fix them so they do not leak, don't just place a bucket under them (see Containers).

Low Spots in Yard

Just like a container, low spots in the yard which hold water for more than a few days will be sources of mosquito production.  Fill low spots, or improve drainage.

Tires

Properly discard any old tires around your home.  Old tires hold water indefinitely.  Certain species of mosquitoes actually prefer to lay their eggs in tires!  Contact the Hudson County Improvement Authority for information on how to discard old tires.  If you cannot discard your old tires, at least keep them indoors or covered so that they do not collect water until they can be disposed of properly.

Tree Holes

Tree holes are simply natural containers.  Fill in tree holes to keep them from holding water.

Screens

Install or repair all window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.