Worried about Zika, West Nile virus or mosquitoes in your community?

In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget about the tiny predator that hunts humans: The mosquito.

As you know, we no longer have a mosquito season; Mosquitoes can remain active throughout the year. Luckily, there are many ways to combat these insects, especially the invasive Aedes mosquitoes.

Step 1: No containers holding water = No mosquitoes

Mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs. Simple as that.

Look around where you live. Almost anything can hold water: Buckets, plant saucers, old tires, a fountain, even a swimming pool.

Identify all the containers that can hold water. And then either dump and drain the water once a week or throw away the containers.

If you want a good night’s rest or a bite-free day, get rid of all containers that can hold water.

Step 2: Get insect repellent

Female mosquitoes need the protein in your blood to produce eggs.

Insect repellent is effective in stopping mosquitoes from attacking.

Which insect repellent is most effective?

When purchasing insect repellent in stores, look for any of the following active ingredients that have been proven to keep mosquitoes away:

• DEET
• Picaridin
• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
• IR3535

Step 3: Empower family and friends to understand the mosquito issues in your city

It is impossible for us to inspect, treat and continuously re-visit homes for the nearly 7 million residents in our District. That is why you are important to making a difference in your neighborhood.

Some key facts everyone should know:

• A clean yard, free from containers that can hold water (including plant saucers), is a mosquito-free yard.
• Controlling mosquitoes is simple — just get rid of any standing water.

And one last thing: We’re here to help. If you are still getting bit after dumping out all standing water around the home, contact us. Chances are, the issue could be a water source nearby or even in the street gutter. You can call us at 562-944-9656 or submit an online service request at www.ReportMosquitoes.org

And one last thing…

We’re here to help.

If you are still getting bit after dumping out all standing water around the home, contact us. Chances are, the issue could be a water source nearby or even in the street gutter. You can call us at 562-944-9656 or submit an online service request at www.ReportMosquitoes.org