Take Action Against Mosquitoes!

Wet Weather Can Create Ideal Breeding Conditions for Mosquitoes: in Stagnant Water and High GrassStanding water in a pot

Mosquitoes need standing water in order to lay their eggs and develop. What most people don’t realize is the surprising number of areas around their own house where mosquitoes can find the standing water they need. The main rule: If it can hold water for more than a few days, it can breed mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap of water. This page is here to help you identify sources around your house.


Old TiresOld Tires

Old tires are perfect for mosquitoes. People leave their old tires outside, they catch rain, and it’s almost impossible to empty out all the water inside (seriously, have you tried? Not an easy task). If even a little water is left, that’s enough for mosquitoes to grow.

Solution
The best solution is to simply get rid of the tires. Take them to the dump, or pay a tire store or gas station to recycle them. If you feel the need to keep them, drill holes into them so the water can drain.

TarpsStanding Water Tarp

You use these to cover the things you don’t want hit by the rain–logs, boats, truck beds, etc. Unfortunately there are sometimes dips in the tarps that can trap stagnant water. And all it takes is a little water to breed mosquitoes.

Solution
If you can’t remove the tarp, shake it off and replace it every few days or so during monsoon season or if it is contact with sprinklers.

Leaky SpigotsLeaky Spigot

Aside from being a waste of water, leaks can become a mosquito problem. It doesn’t take much water to support the development of mosquitoes, and even a small leak can create a big puddle.

Solution
Fix the leaky faucet. Not only will it stop the mosquito breeding problem, it’ll do wonders for your water bill.

Street GuttersFlooded Gutter

That little area that divides the sidewalk from the street. It channels water away after rainstorms and from your car washing to the nearest storm drain. On occasion, these gutters don’t work properly. For various reasons (like a tree lifts the pavement, pavement sinks), the street gutters pool the water instead of draining it away, and they become the perfect neighborhood for mosquitoes–just beyond your front yard.

Solution
If the gutter is simply blocked by debris, sweeping it regularly can keep water moving on its way. If there is consistently standing water, contact Flagstaff Water Services and inform them of the issue.

ContainersContainer With Standing Water

Kids leave them out, and so do you. Whether it’s your child’s dump truck, empty flower pots, wheelbarrows, or plastic buckets, the rule is the same: If it can hold water for more than a few days, it can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Solution
Drain them, put a lid on them, turn them upside-down, or just get rid of them.

Bird BathsBird Baths

They’re pretty, they attract birds…and mosquitoes, unfortunately. This is a big source of mosquito problems that most people overlook, especially if they don’t pay much attention to it. Because it’s often in the sun, and it’s a shallow source of water, the water is warmed, and it actually encourages mosquitoes to grow faster!

Solution
Clean the bird bath out by thoroughly changing the water at least once a week. If there are any mosquito larvae, they will die once they are out of the water.