Mosquito Control Tips

This time of year brings a lot of mosquito activity in the area which typically subsides in December. A large portion of mosquitoes are produced in residential backyards in small breeding sources. Any water-holding container, even as small as a bottle cap, can produce mosquitoes. Only female mosquitoes are capable of biting and can transmit diseases to humans and animals through their bite.

The most common mosquitoes in Orange County are the Culex (“Southern House Mosquito”) and the Aedes (“Asian Tiger Mosquito”). The Culex prefers to breed in large backyard water sources such as gutters, ponds and green pools. The adults are active during dusk and dawn. Though they prefer to feed on birds, they will also feed on humans and can transmit West Nile virus and encephalitis. The Aedes prefers to breed in smaller water sources, such as plant saucers, plants, tires and buckets. They like to feed during the daytime and are also called “Ankle Biters” to indicate the part of the body they prefer. They can transmit dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and dog heartworm.

Common mosquito breeding sources that you may have around your property include the following:

– Children’s toys, wheelbarrows and other items left outside that could hold water

– Water holding plants and plant saucers

– Rain barrels

– Green pools, ornamental ponds and bird baths

Below are some tips to mosquito-proof your home:

– Dump and drain any unnecessary items that could hold water around your home and property

– Cover empty containers with a lid or turn upside down to prevent water from accumulating

– After dumping water, clean and scrub bird baths, pots and pet bowls weekly

– Drill a hole or puncture potted plants to eliminate standing water

– Check that gutters are not holding water and cover rain barrels with tight screening so that mosquitoes cannot enter

If you believe there may be a mosquito breeding source on or near your property, you can contact Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control at 714-971-2421, who will dispatch an officer to identify and breeding sources. They will provide free mosquitofish if there is a body of water that is identified as a breeding source.

Below is a link to Orange County Vector Control’s helpful “Do It Yourself” tips to get mosquitoes under control at your property:

https://www.ocvector.org/do-it-yourself-solutions-for-mosquito-issues