Fight Mosquitoes by Eliminating Standing Water

Standing water from Tropical Storm Allison has enabled an explosion in Houston's mosquito population.

Health officials have been deluged with mosquito complaint calls and requests for service from the public. The Houston Department of Health and Human Services reminds the public that the best method of reducing mosquito populations is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, namely standing water.

Harris County is a haven for 56 species of mosquitoes, 36 of which feast on humans. While most are merely unpleasant pests, one species, the Culex mosquito, carries the St. Louis Encephalitis, or SLE, virus. The Harris County Mosquito Control District has not found evidence of infected Culex mosquitoes or birds from which the Culex acquires SLE.

All residents are encouraged to help control mosquitoes by reducing mosquito breeding locations near their homes. Some species can breed in containers as small as a bottle cap.

Reduce mosquito breeding areas by eliminating standing water outdoors.

• Remove containers that hold water. Flower pots, bird baths, tires, broad magnolia leaves, etc. should be drained daily, inverted, covered or removed.
  
  
• Repair leaky plumbing.
  
  
• Keep gutters free from debris and standing water.
  
  
• Move drain hoses from air-conditioning units frequently.
  
  
• Remove plastic sheeting which may have been used to cover storm-damaged items.
  
  
• Make sure that storm refuse near the street for heavy trash removal cannot hold water.
  
  
• Mow tall grass.

Keep mosquitoes out of your home.

• Check window and door screens for openings and replace or repair as necessary.
  
  
• Seal other openings, such as those around air conditioning window units.

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

• Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and slacks when outdoors.
  
  
• Use an insect repellent with the active ingredient Deet and follow label instructions.
  
  
• Other devices such as citronella and repellent coils are also good deterrents.

Mosquitoes have a limited flight range, generally not more than a few blocks. Neighborhoods that work together to reduce mosquito breeding grounds will appreciate more pleasant summer evenings in the outdoors.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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