Tips for Mosquito-Proofing Your Yard

From the Health Department

We're fully into mosquito season and the Ewing Department of Health provides the following tips to help you avoid the bite. 

Use this checklist to help you find and eliminate the places where mosquitoes breed around your home. Any container that holds water can be a home for mosquito larvae. After 7 days, larvae will become adult mosquitoes. Remember to stay aware and to keep containers free of standing water.

• Garbage cans and recycling bins Drill drainage holes in the bottoms of garbage cans and recycling bins and keep them covered to prevent water from getting in.
• Buckets Empty buckets and turn them over.
• Gutters Keep gutters clean and properly pitched.
• Portable basketball hoops and playsets Make sure caps for basketball hoop fill holes are in place; replace if lost. Dry off playsets to prevent standing water.
• Flexible downspout extensions Pitch downspout extensions so water drains completely after it rains or replace with a non-flexible extension that is pitched to drain fully. Keep the inside free of debris.
• Decks and Porches Make sure to check under decks and porches for containers that may hold water.
• Kiddie pools Empty or change the water every 5-7 days. Store indoors or turn over when not in use.
• Big plastic toys, wagons, etc. Keep toys turned over or inside when not in use. If water can get inside the toy or tire swing, drill drainage holes in the bottom.
• Tarps, plastic bags and sheets Keep tarps tight and refit them if water collects.
• Leaky hose spigots Fix leak or call a professional plumber.
• Deflated toys Drain off water, dry out, and store indoors when not in use.
• Bird Baths Change water at least once a week.
• Watering Cans Empty and store upside down or in a garage or shed.
• Planters without drainage holes Drill holes in the bottom of your planter.
• Sand boxes Drill small drainage holes in the bottom of the sand box.
• Pet dishes and planter saucers Dump the water out or rinse the dish or saucer every 3-5 days.
• Self-watering planters Tightly seal the watering hole after adding water. The most effective method for preventing mosquitoes is to not use these planters.
• Wheelbarrows Turn wheelbarrows over or store them upright. Check them weekly and empty any water found.
• Rain Barrels Cover tops of rain barrels with tightly fitted screen. (Use nylon window screen and secure with a bungee cord or other tight elastic.) Mosquitoes will use the overflow hole to get in and lay their eggs; either plug hole or contact your local mosquito control agency for guidance.*
• Decorative Ponds Add a fountain, waterfall or other device to prevent standing water, or contact your local mosquito control agency on how to treat for mosquito larvae.*
• Behind the shed and under shrubs Look under bushes and in overlooked spots in the yard and remove debris that can hold water.
• Pools and pool covers Keep pool covers tight. If you know of an abandoned home in your neighborhood with a neglected pool, contact your local mosquito control agency.

*For contact information on your local mosquito control agency, visit https://nj.gov/dep/enforcement/pcp/bpo-mfagencies.htm

Printable Flyer