Ornamental Ponds
Stock with mosquito fish, which are available free of charge to the public at our office. Add goldfish for looks if desired, but they do little for mosquito control. Avoid spraying with garden insect sprays. Remove leaves and thin out pond lilies. Keep water level up. Screen inlet of recirculation pump. Chlorine kills fish- transfer fish to glass bowl when cleaning pond. If pond is no longer desired, break holes in bottom and fill with dirt or sand.
Concrete or Plastic Swimming Pools
Operate filter and skimmer everyday to remove egg rafts and larvae. Provide drainage for filer and pump sumps. Chlorine will NOT kill mosquito larvae. If a pool cover is used, keep it tightly sealed. Remove rainwater from the top of the pool cover. Stock unused or "out-of-order" pools with mosquito fish. To see a video of mosquito larvae in an unused pool, click here.
Boats and Boat Covers
Prevent accumulation of bilge water. Store small boats upside down or cover to keep out rain and water from sprinklers.
Animal Water Troughs
Stock large troughs with mosquito fish. Clean small troughs every week.
Other Kinds of Containers
Remove and dispose of all unused containers that will collect rain or water from sprinklers:
- Cans
- Old Tires
- Lawn and patio drains
- Jars
- Buckets
- Irrigation valve boxes
- Barrels
- Tubs
- Tarps covering outdoor equipment
Home gardeners rooting plant cuttings in vases, buckets, etc. should change water every week.
Rain gutters should be clear of leaves and debris. Click hereto see a video of mosquito larvae in a rain gutter.
Usable containers should be stored upside down.