Mosquitoes After Summer Storms

Walk the yard

After heavy rain, empty buckets, toys, plant saucers, tarps and anything holding water.

Gutters

Clear clogged gutters so water drains.

Low spots

Fill or drain low spots where water stands for days.

Bird baths and pools

Change bird bath water weekly and keep pools treated.

Screens

Repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.

Yard treatments

Treatments every few weeks reduce mosquitoes resting in shrubs and shade.

Pets

Ask your vet about heartworm prevention.

More help

See mosquito control.

Hidden water

Look under decks, in tarps covering boats and grills, in tyres and in clogged downspout extensions. Mosquitoes find water people forget about.

Ornamental ponds

Ponds with fish and moving water rarely breed many mosquitoes. Still ponds without fish can; a small pump or fountain helps.

Neighbourhood effort

Mosquitoes travel between yards. Clearing water on your street together makes a bigger difference than one yard alone.

Personal protection

Use an approved repellent and wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk, when many mosquitoes bite.

Gutter extensions

Corrugated downspout extensions hold water in their ridges. Check and drain them after storms.

Rain barrels

Cover rain barrels with fine mesh so mosquitoes can't lay eggs inside.

Boats and trailers

Tip water out of boats, kayaks and trailers after each storm, or keep them covered tightly.

Plan for the season

Storm season runs through the warm months. Making a post-storm yard check part of your routine keeps mosquito numbers down all summer, not just after the first big rain.

Tree holes

Rot holes in trees can hold water for weeks after storms. An arborist can fill or drain them.

More pest control guides

• Termites in Pensacola: What Homeowners Should Know
• How Do I Keep Roaches Out of My Pensacola Home?
• Pests After a Hurricane or Big Storm
• Pest Treatments, Pets and Children
• Hiring Licensed Pest Control in Florida