- Clean out clogged gutters before and during the mosquito season as needed.
- Mosquito larvae may develop in virtually any shallow, non-flowing water.
- Containers are common sites that can collect water.
- These sites can become breeding sites for disease carrying Culex mosquitoes if the water remains standing for several days or more and especially if it is polluted with decaying vegetation and/or other organic material.
- Females lay “direct hatching” eggs on the water surface.
- Eggs hatch in 2-3 days and adults emerge within a week.
- Culex females do not disperse far, typically feeding near the breeding site.
- Female Culex mosquitoes typically feed on birds, but will feed on humans and are capable of transmitting West Nile virus.
- You have a greater chance of being bitten by Culex mosquitoes if you are outside from dusk to dawn when females are active and searching for a blood meal.
- To protect yourself from mosquito bites, avoid being outdoors at these times and wear an approved repellent if you are outdoors.
- You also may be bitten inside your house by mosquitoes that enter through open doors, open windows, and holes in window and door screens. Repair damaged screens and keep doors closed.
- Discard or empty containers, tires and trash that hold water to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
- Click here for more information on these mosquito species.
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