How Homeowners Can Reduce Mosquito Breeding Areas

Home mosquito control starts with removing standing water. Even a generally dry yard can contain water-holding items such as clogged gutters, toys, flowerpot saucers, tarps or buckets.

Walk the property in the same order every week.

1. Start at the house.Check roof gutters, drains and containers near the house that can collect rainwater; clean debris that prevents water from draining.
2. Check the deck, patio and play areas.Empty and scrub, turn over, cover or discard buckets, toys, small pools, flowerpot saucers and other items that hold water.
3. Inspect tarps and covers.Remove standing water from tarps, pool covers and other outdoor covers where rain can collect.
4. Manage birdbaths and water features.Empty and scrub birdbaths and other small water containers regularly. For water that cannot be dumped or covered, CDC notes that an appropriate larvicide may be used according to its label; Massachusetts also recommends maintaining ornamental water features so water does not remain stagnant.
5. Cover stored water.Rain barrels, cisterns and other water-storage containers should be tightly covered or screened so adult mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
6. Finish with the yard edges.Remove discarded containers and other items that collect rainwater, and address areas where water remains standing when practical.

Keep mosquitoes out of the house.

Protect yourself when mosquitoes are active.

Use an EPA-registered insect repellent according to the label and wear clothing that provides additional coverage when conditions call for it. Massachusetts tracks WNV and EEE risk during the June–October surveillance season. Check the state’s current arbovirus update for local risk information.