Mosquitoes have been around for more than 100 million years and they play an important role in our ecosystem, but… that doesn’t mean we have to like them! Mosquitoes can bite, make us itch and worse…they can spread disease.

We’ll never be able to eliminate all mosquitoes. Spraying insecticide is only a short-term solution to long-term nuisance problems. Wake County does NOT operate a spraying program. It takes a greater effort from all of us in the community to prevent or at least reduce mosquito problems.

Mosquito eggs need only a few days in water to hatch and then they become adults in just two weeks! So, the best way to prevent mosquitoes from breeding is by eliminating the standing water where they lay their eggs. Do your part and ask your neighbors to do their part using these Top 10 Tips:

1. Tip and toss standing water from ANY containers, buckets, wading pools, dishes under flowerpots, old tires, wheel barrels or anything else that holds water!
2. Clean rain gutters
3. Flush water out of bird baths at least twice weekly (the birds will appreciate the fresh water!)
4. Fix dripping hoses and faucets; checking sprinklers for standing water.
5. Make sure water can drain from ditches – If it can’t, use a chemical larvicide like Mosquito Dunks, available at hardware or garden stores. They’re placed in standing water and prevent mosquito eggs from hatching. Follow the product label.
6. Secure rain barrels with screens and sealing openings around pipes, door screens, etc., with rubber gaskets or caulking.
7. Consider pond fish. These are fish that eat a lot of insect eggs in ponds. You can buy them at pet stores. Be careful not to put these fish into water that drains into streams or rivers. They can harm other fish and wildlife.
8. Thin shrubs and cut tall grass and weeds. This will also help reduce mosquitoes, as they inhabit cool, shady areas to escape hot temperatures that can be deadly to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes love English Ivy!
9. Add a bat box. Bat boxes are homes for bats. One bat can eat up to 600 mosquitoes in one hour!
10. Pay or hire someone to spray insecticides around your home. These insecticides can drift during spraying. Please talk to your neighbors about your plans before spraying, as some can have reactions to the spray. Some sprays may also kill needed insects like beetles, lady bugs, honeybees and lacewings as well as fish. These insecticides should not be allowed to get on fruits and vegetables that will be eaten.