Tips to Rid Your Community of
Mosquito Breeding Sites

1. Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely.
2. Remove old tires or drill drainage holes in tires used for playground equipment.
3. Store plastic wading pools inside or turn them upside down when not in use.
4. Turn over or remove clay pots and plastic containers.
5. Dispose of all empty beverage containers, plastic wrappers, discarded toys, etc.
6. Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps used to cover boats, pools, etc. Arrange the tarp to drain the water.
7. Pump out bilges in boats. Turn canoes and small boats upside down for storage.
8. Replace water in bird baths at least twice a week.
9. Remove pet food and water dishes that are not being used.
10. Flush livestock water troughs twice a week.
11. Don't leave garbage can lids lying upside down. Be sure water does not collect in the bottom of garbage cans.
12. Flush water in the bottom of plant holders twice a week.
13. Fix dripping outside water faucets.
14. Turn wheelbarrows upside down when stored outside.
15. Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure that proper backfilling and grading prevent drainage problems.
16. Check ornamental ponds, tree holes and water-holding low areas for mosquito larvae. Call the nearest Mosquito Control Office (see below) if you find, or suspect, mosquito larvae are present.
17. If ditches do not flow and contain stagnant water for one week or longer, they can produce large numbers of mosquitoes. Report such conditions to a Mosquito Control Office. Do not attempt to clear these ditches because they may be protected by wetland regulations.

Contact the Mosquito Control Section of the Maryland Department of Agriculture nearest you for additional assistance and advice.

Maryland Department of Agriculture
Mosquito Control Offices
Annapolis (Headquarters) 410-841-5870
Central & Western Maryland 301-422-5080
Eastern Maryland 410-543-6626
Southern Maryland 301-373-4263