Eliminate Breeding Grounds:

• Empty standing water: This is the most crucial step. Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water.
  • Empty containers like flower pots, buckets, tires, toys, and bird baths.
  • Change water in fountains, wading pools, and pet bowls regularly.
  • Clean gutters to ensure proper drainage.

• Maintain landscaping:
  • Trim bushes and shrubs to reduce damp, shady areas.
  • Keep grass cut short.

Personal Protection:

• Use insect repellent:
  • Choose EPA-registered repellents with DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Follow the product label instructions carefully.
  • Apply repellent to exposed skin, but not under clothing.
  • See National Pesticide Infomation Center  and the United States Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA) for more information on DEET
• Wear protective clothing:
  • Wear long sleeves and pants when possible, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Home Protection:

• Install screens:
  • Ensure all windows and doors have screens that are in good condition.
  • Repair or replace any damaged screens.

Other Tips:

• Avoid peak mosquito times:
  • Limit outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Be aware of your surroundings:
  • Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat and sweat, so be extra cautious when exercising outdoors.
• Consult your doctor:
  • If you experience symptoms of a mosquito-borne illness (fever, headache, etc.), see your doctor promptly.

Water Management:

• Proper Irrigation Practices: Avoid over-irrigation that leads to standing water. Use efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation or furrow irrigation with proper drainage to minimize pooling. Rotate fields and allow some to dry out periodically.  
• Ditch Maintenance: Keep irrigation ditches and drainage canals clear of vegetation and debris to ensure proper water flow. Regularly clean and maintain these areas to prevent stagnant water.  
• Leveling and Grading: Ensure fields are properly leveled and graded to prevent water from pooling in low spots. Fill in any depressions or potholes that can collect water.  
• Timing of Irrigation: If possible, time irrigation to allow water to recede quickly. Avoid irrigating during periods of heavy rainfall, which can exacerbate standing water problems.
• Equipment Maintenance: Keep irrigation equipment leak-free. Repair leaky risers, wheel lines, pivots, and other pipes. Leaks that create stagnant water are common sources for mosquitoes to produce.

Habitat Modification:

• Vegetation Control: Manage vegetation around field edges, ditches, and other water sources. Tall grasses and weeds provide shelter for mosquitoes. Regular mowing or controlled burns (where appropriate) can help.  
• Removal of Unused Containers: Remove or properly store any unused containers, such as tires, buckets, or agricultural equipment, that can collect rainwater.  
• Livestock Management: Provide adequate drainage around livestock watering troughs and areas where animals congregate. These areas can become mosquito breeding grounds if not managed properly.  

Collaboration:

• Work with UMAD to develop and implement effective mosquito control strategies. We may provide guidance on the most appropriate and effective mosquito control strategies for your specific situation.