How to Prevent Mosquitoes from Breeding 1-800-563-2808 www.myhealthunit.ca

1-800-563-2808
www.myhealthunit.ca
FACTS ON WEST NILE VIRUS
How to Prevent Mosquitoes from Breeding
Mosquitoes require standing water to lay their eggs. By reducing the amount of standing water on your
property, you can significantly decrease mosquito breeding around your home. Elimination of potential
breeding sites should begin in early April and monitoring should continue throughout the summer. Take these
steps to reduce your risk for West Nile Virus:
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1. Clean birdbaths twice a week and
maintain ornamental ponds.
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2. Cover or turn over any toy, garden
equipment or container that can hold
water. Drill holes in the bottoms of
containers that cannot be removed.
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4. Repair outdoor faucets that leak.
Change water in outside pet bowls
daily.
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5. Store small boats upside down. Be
sure boat covers are completely
drained when stored.
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6. Fill in hollow tree stumps and rot
holes that hold water with sand or
concrete.
Image courtesy of Illinois Department of Public Health
(with permission)
7. Dispose of, or store in a dry place,
any cans, bottles, tires, etc. that may
hold water.
Other precautions:
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Keep grass cut short and trim shrubs to eliminate
hiding places for mosquitoes. Don’t allow grass
clippings and debris to clog street gutters: these are
prime breeding sites.

Ensure your home has tight-fitting screens.
Adapted with permission from Lambton Health Unit
NORTH BAY
PARRY SOUND
BURK’S FALLS
3. Clean roof gutters and remove
standing water from flat roofs. Place
screens over rain barrels.
8. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools
and hot tubs. Be sure rainwater does
not collect on covers. Turn over
wading pools when not in use.
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