Nothing can ruin a summer night in the yard quicker than pesky mosquitoes. But in addition to being a nuisance, mosquitoes can also carry disease. If you’re hoping to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard this summer, be sure to remove any sources of standing water! Mosquitoes require standing water for their young to hatch and develop and only a few tablespoons of water is all it takes. Once eggs are laid, a new generation of mosquitoes can arrive in as little as one week.
Franklin County Public Health recommends checking your property for standing water, including areas like:
- Bird baths (drain and refill every 3-4 days)
- Wading or kiddie pools (drain and refill frequently)
- Pools and hot tubs (keep chlorinated, covered or keep completely dry)
- Pool covers that hold water
- Rain barrels that are not properly screened or treated
- Planters and pots, including saucers and catch trays
- Mature trees that have developed holes that hold water – fill the voids with sand
- Anything that has the potential to hold even small amounts of water
To learn more about mosquito prevention and Franklin County Public Health’s Mosquito Management Program, click here.
