What You Can Do

The owner of any property on which a breeding source is located is responsible for the abatement of the nuisance and for the prevention of its recurrence. The District will inform the property owner of the mosquito breeding source and assist them in working out a satisfactory correction. In extreme cases, where the owner does not accept their responsibility to the public, the nuisance may be abated and a lien filed against the property as enforced by the California Health and Safety Code.

Where to Look and What to Do

Ornamental Ponds

Stock with mosquito fish, which are available free of charge to the public at our office. Add goldfish for looks if desired, but they do little for mosquito control. Avoid spraying with garden insect sprays. Remove leaves and thin out pond lilies. Keep water level up. Screen inlet of recirculation pump. Chlorine kills fish- transfer fish to glass bowl when cleaning pond. If pond is no longer desired, break holes in bottom and fill with dirt or sand.

Concrete or Plastic Swimming Pools

Operate filter and skimmer everyday to remove egg rafts and larvae. Provide drainage for filer and pump sumps. Chlorine will NOT kill mosquito larvae. If a pool cover is used, keep it tightly sealed. Remove rainwater from the top of the pool cover. Stock unused or "out-of-order" pools with mosquito fish. To see a video of mosquito larvae in an unused pool, click here.

Boats and Boat Covers

Prevent accumulation of bilge water. Store small boats upside down or cover to keep out rain and water from sprinklers.

Animal Water Troughs

Stock large troughs with mosquito fish. Clean small troughs every week.

Other Kinds of Containers

Remove and dispose of all unused containers that will collect rain or water from sprinklers:

• Cans
• Old Tires
• Lawn and patio drains
• Jars
• Buckets
• Irrigation valve boxes
• Barrels
• Tubs
• Tarps covering outdoor equipment
  

Home gardeners rooting plant cuttings in vases, buckets, etc. should change water every week.

Rain gutters should be clear of leaves and debris. Click here to see a video of mosquito larvae in a rain gutter.

Usable containers should be stored upside down.

For the District's specific guidelines on how to avoid or reduce mosquitoes, rats, red imported fire ants, and flies please refer to recommendations in the Vector Reduction Manual: Procedures and Guidelines.