Mosquito season is upon us, which means it’s time to find ways to prevent and control mosquitoes around your home. Let’s all mark National Mosquito Control Awareness Week this week by protecting our families and communities from mosquito-borne disease.

Arizona is home to more than 40 different types of mosquitoes, including the Culex and Aedes species of mosquito, which can also carry diseases like West Nile Virus or Zika virus. While different kinds of mosquitoes live, breed and behave differently, these simple steps inside and outside your home can protect you and your family from all types of mosquitoes:

  • Keep screens on the doors and windows of your home installed and intact. Make sure there are no holes where mosquitoes can fly in.
  • Check inside your home for any flowerpots or vases that hold water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs on the surface or around the inside of these containers. Water holding containers inside your home should be dumped and wiped out at least once a week to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
  • Wear insect repellant when you go outside—during the early morning, evening, and throughout the entire day. EPA-registered insect repellents, such as ones with DEET are safe and effective. Always be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
  • Wear long sleeves and long pants to protect against mosquito bites. Apply insect repellant over your clothes because some mosquitoes can bite through fabric.
  • Reduce areas outside your house where mosquitoes can breed, including tires, buckets, toys, pet water dishes, wheelbarrows, and trash containers.  Dump the water and wipe out the inside of these containers.
  • Turn over containers that could hold water, especially before rain comes. Keep water storage containers covered tightly so mosquitoes cannot sneak inside.
  • Keep your pool clean. Remove leaves and debris from roof gutters. Repair leaky pipes, water coolers, and outdoor faucets.
  • Call local vector control if you have concerns about mosquitoes or need some help getting rid of mosquitoes around your home.

Visit our website to learn more about how you can Fight the Bite.