Mosquito Breeding Prevention

Mosquito Breeding Prevention

It is the responsibility of the property owner to prevent mosquito breeding sources. In the event a breeding source is found, the owner must treat the problem and take steps to prevent the recurrence of breeding.

The immature stages of the mosquito (egg, larva, and pupa) develop in standing water. It takes seven to ten days from the time a mosquito lays her eggs, until 100 to 400 larvae (wrigglers) begin their life, possibly in your backyard.  The size of the container of water doesn’t matter, as mosquito larvae and pupae are small.

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Reduce the Mosquito Population On Your Property!

• Eliminate stagnate water on your property! Mosquitoes can develop in a puddle or standing water lasting longer than four (4) days.
• Check gutters for debris and any areas where water could potentially pool.
• Change bird bath water at least twice a week or more frequently.
• Change water in outdoor pet dishes frequently.
• Turn over watering containers, flower pots, buckets, wheelbarrows, any object that can collect water.
• Check your property for standing puddles that do not dissipate.
• Chlorinate pools and hot tubs.
• Eliminate standing water on the covers of pools and hot tubs that are not open for the season.
• Aerate ornamental ponds, pools and fountains.
• Make sure trash cans are tightly sealed and or drill drainage holes in the bottom.
• Remove old tires. Tires make the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Check for forgotten items behind garages and sheds.

Heartworms

Heartworms are contagious, but not directly from an infected dog to another dog. In all cases, baby heartworms must be transferred to a mosquito, and then injected into the next dog (or back into the same dog) by the mosquito, before they can grow into adults. So dogs acquire heartworms from being bitten by a mosquito that is carrying heartworms from an infected dog.

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Help stop dog heartworms by taking a two-fisted control approach:

1. Have your dog checked by a vet at least once a year.  Use the medication prescribed religiously.  Even missing just one night’s medication can allow your dog to become infected.
2. Stop the mosquito vector by destroying mosquito breeding places around you home!

If there are any places around your home where water collects, such as water-holding containers, house cooler drains, and ornamental ponds, you may be raising the very mosquitoes that bother you or transmit heartworms to your dog!