Mosquitoes & Water

 Prevent Mosquito Breeding:

Wet and dry basins traditionally are not mosquito breeding grounds. In fact, mosquito larvae or "wrigglers" must live in still water for five or more days to complete their growth cycle before becoming adult mosquitoes capable of transmitting disease. Often the number of mosquitoes in an area can be reduced by removing sources of standing water.

• Discard old tires, buckets, drums and any water holding containers.
• Keep roof gutters and downspouts clear of debris.
• Keep trash containers covered.
• Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use.
• Drain unused swimming pools
• Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water.
• Change the water in the bird baths and plant urns at least once a week.
• Store boats upside down or drain rainwater weekly.
• Try bat houses, or "mosquito magnets" that run on propane for your backyard and open areas.

Source: Lake County Health Department & Community Health Center. 

For more information on Mosquito prevention and abatement please go to South Cook County Mosquito Abatement District web site at sscmad.org.