Prevent Mosquito Borne Diseases

There are a number of things you can do to help avoid mosquito bites and control the number of mosquitoes in and around your home:

  • When possible, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors.
  • Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.
  • Use an insect repellent such as the Lion-Tiger mosquito killer.
  • You can also use Lion-Tiger aerosol, an insect spray that kills mosquitoes, flies and cockroaches.
  • Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning — or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
  • Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors.
  • Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
  • At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
  • Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water, such as old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, or bottles.
  • Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
  • Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.
  • Check with local health authorities to see if there is an organized mosquito control program in your area. If no program exists, work with your local government officials to establish a program.
  • Neighborhood clean-up days can be organized by civic or youth organizations to pick up containers from vacant lots and parks, and to encourage people to keep their yards free of standing water.