What can I do around my home to help reduce exposure to mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing or slow-moving (such as streams or creeks) water. Weeds, tall grass, and bushes provide an outdoor home for mosquitoes. They can enter homes through unscreened windows or doors, or broken screens.


  • Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens that have tears or holes.

  • Remove all discarded tires from your property.

  • Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers.

  • Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.

  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered.

  • Drain water from pool covers.

  • Change the water in bird baths every 3 to 4 days.

  • Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.

  • Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.

  • Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.

Show All Answers

1. What is West Nile virus?
2. How is West Nile Virus spread?
3. Are older adults more at risk for West Nile Virus?
4. Where did West Nile virus come from?
5. Can you get West Nile virus directly from birds?
6. Besides mosquitoes, can you get West Nile virus directly from other insects or ticks?
7. What are the symptoms of West Nile viral infection?
8. Is a woman's pregnancy at risk if she gets West Nile virus?
9. How is West Nile encephalitis treated?
10. Is there a vaccine against West Nile virus?
11. How long does it take to get sick if bitten by an infected mosquito?
12. What should I do if I think I have West Nile encephalitis?
13. What can I do to reduce my risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus?
14. What can I do around my home to help reduce exposure to mosquitoes?
15. If I live in an area where birds or mosquitoes with West Nile virus have been reported, and I am bitten by a mosquito, am I likely to get sick?
16. I've gotten a mosquito bite. Should I be tested for West Nile virus?
17. Should I report dead birds to the Health Department?
18. If a dead bird is not going to be collected, how should it be disposed of?