Are You Breeding Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes can carry serious diseases such as Encephalitis and West Nile virus. Mosquitoes always develop in water. Anything that holds water, wading pools, ornamental/fish ponds, bird baths, old tires, tin cans/buckets, gutters, wheelbarrows, tarps (low spots), flower pots/vases, stagnant swimming pools, and boats can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Even something as small as a bottle cap can be a breeding ground for the mosquito that transmits West Nile virus.

Breeding Habits
All mosquitoes need water in which to pass their early life stages. Adult flying mosquitoes frequently rest in grass, shrubbery or other foliage, but they never develop there. Some mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water where they hatch in a day or two. Other mosquitoes lay their eggs in containers, remaining unhatched for weeks or months until the container fills with water. After hatching mosquito larvae (wigglers) grow quickly into pupae (tumblers). In a few more days the pupae split open and out climb more hungry mosquitoes. The entire life cycle may be completed in as little as 10 days.

How Can You Control Mosquitoes?
You can take positive steps to clear your property of any potential breeding sites by checking off the following:

• Get rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles, toys, wheelbarrows or any water-holding containers.
• Rain barrels must be maintained properly.
• Fill in or drain any low spots (puddles, ruts) in your yard.
• Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of weeds, overgrowth, and trash so water drains properly.
• Cover trash and recycling containers to keep out rainwater.
• Repair leaky pipes and outdoor faucets.
• Empty wading pools at least once a week and store it indoors when not in use.
• Make sure your backyard pool is properly cared for before and during use.
• Fill in tree holes and hollow stumps that hold water with sand or concrete.
• Change the water in birdbaths and flowerpots or drip trays at least once or twice each week. Make sure backyard ponds and fountains are maintained properly.
• Empty drinking and food bowls for pets daily.
• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not be able to find shelter.
• Water in the morning so vegetation and soil have a chance to dry, making them less attractive to mosquitoes.
• Clean out roof gutters of leaves and debris that might trap and hold water. Repair sagging gutters.
• Make sure tarps or plastic sheets covering boats, swimming pools, etc. are pulled tight and sloped so rainwater runs off.

Elk Grove Environmental Health Division 847-357-4240