Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are a known vector of several diseases. The Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project serves all of Barnstable County with an integrated pest management approach of mechanical, cultural, and biological controls to help regulate the mosquito population on Cape Cod. For more information, please visit their website at ccmcp.net or call them at 508-775-1510. Always remember to wear your EPA-approved insect repellent, and insect-repellent treated clothing.
There are several steps you can take to control mosquitoes at your home:
- Remove standing water in your yard where mosquitoes could lay eggs.
- Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.
- Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
- For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
- Use larvicides to treat large containers of water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be covered or dumped out.
- If you have a septic tank, repair cracks or gaps. Cover open vent or plumbing pipes. Use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
Kill mosquitoes outside your home.
- Use an outdoor insect spray made to kill mosquitoes in areas where they rest.
- Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid areas like under patio furniture, or under the carport or garage. When using insecticides, always follow label instructions.
- Prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
- Install or repair and use window and door screens. Do not leave doors propped open.
- Use air conditioning when possible.
Source:https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/controlling-mosquitoes-at-home.html