• Keep mosquitoes from going airborne. They develop in standing water. A typical backyard can generate thousands of mosquitoes a week, even in small amounts of water. Since several species of mosquitoes prefer to bite close to home, eliminating "skeeter sources" can help. Make sure gutters, pipes, and other water sources drain away from your residence. Don't over-water your yard. Drain water that may have collected in pool and spa covers, flowerpots or barrels. Store containers in an inverted position, or cover them. Don't overlook less obvious water sources, such as tree holes and gutters with plugged downspouts. Fill tree holes with sand or mortar.
   
• If you have bird baths, ornamental ponds and fountains, drain and clean them at least once a week, or consider stocking them with mosquito fish (scientific name: Gambusia affinis) that feed on mosquito larvae. These fish may be available from your local mosquito control district. (Look in the county government pages of your phone book under "mosquito" or "vector control," or call your county agricultural commissioner to find out how to contact your mosquito district.) Guppies, available at many pet stores, are also 'skeeter eaters, but they may not thrive outdoors.

Protection

• Check your local nursery for a biological control for backyard ponds and fountains. This microbial pesticide, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis -- "B.t.i." for short -- is formulated into doughnut shapes that float. These products slowly release a natural chemical that kills feeding mosquito larvae.

We offer a checklist to help prevent mosquitoes from making a home out of your home - you can download the checklist by clicking here.