Reduce the risk – Tips for house and garden

Get rid of mosquito hatching sites by eliminating standing water around your house and yard.

Birdbaths

Stagnant water in birdbaths is a prime mosquito hatching site.

  • Empty and refill birdbaths weekly.

Drains

Leaves and other debris can clog storm drains, causing rainwater to back up.

  • Keep storm drains in the street by your property clear so gutters can drain.

Flower Pots

Saucers under flowerpots and other containers fill with rainwater and give mosquitoes a great place to lay their eggs.

  • Remove saucers from under flowerpots or ensure they are dry.

Garbage Containers

Uncovered garbage cans and other containers fill with rainwater, and give mosquitoes a great place to lay their eggs.

  • Keep lids on or cover all containers, including garbage cans.

Gutters

Leaves can collect in eavestroughs and create shallow pools when it rains.

  • Clean out leaves and other debris to prevent water from collecting.

Hoses

Leaky or poorly stored garden hoses create wet areas where mosquito eggs can hatch.

  • Store hoses properly so that areas around them stay dry, and fix leaky faucets.

Ponds

Stagnant ornamental pools or ponds are a mosquito haven.

  • Aerate pools and ponds daily and consider stocking them with fish.

Pools

Stagnant water in children's wading pools create a perfect place for mosquitoes to lay eggs.

  • Empty pools when not in use and turn them over.

Rain Barrels

Open rain barrels are reservoirs of stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed.

  • Downspouts should empty into rain barrels with screened covers.

Screens

Don't leave holes unrepaired in window or door screens, and don't leave screen doors open.

  • Fix broken window screens, and keep them closed.

Tires

Old tires are notorious as mosquito hatching grounds because rainwater collects in them.

  • Store old tires in a garage or shed, cover them so they don't collect rainwater, or take scrap tires to your local recycling centre.

Wheelbarrows

Wheelbarrows and other equipment can collect rainwater.

  • Store them so water can't collect.