American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) has designated June 21 to June 27, 2015 as National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. The AMCA is an international organization of nearly 2,000 public health professionals who are dedicated to protecting the public’s health and well-being through safe, environmentally sound mosquito control programs since 1935.

There are over 3,000 different species of mosquitoes throughout the world and 176 recognized in the United States. Mosquitoes can be an annoying, serious problem during the warmer months. They interfere with work and spoil hours of leisure time later in the day. Their attacks on farm animals can cause problems for farmers and some mosquitoes are capable of transmitting diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue, filariasis, and West Nile virus to humans and animals.

The topic of how to control mosquitoes is always a popular one when summer arrives. Several municipalities have mosquito control spraying programs to help reduce mosquito populations within their boundaries. In the summer months, many homeowners contract mosquito control services to help protect them from mosquito bites.

Even though there are control programs available, one of the best ways to reduce mosquito populations around your home is to reduce the amount of standing water due to that being the source of new populations.

Here are several suggestions for where to check for standing water and control mosquitoes:

• Empty bird baths, fountains, plant pot dishes, pet water dishes, buckets, toys, or any other location where water may accumulate. Do this on a regular basis, as it only takes a few days for a mosquito to go from an egg to an adult.
• Check gutters a day or so after it rains. Many gutters have low spots where water may collect, which is a prime location for mosquito breeding.
• Another prime location is at the bottom of an old tire used as a swing. Drill a hole in the lowest point to allow the water to drain.
• Keep swimming pools and ornamental ponds clean and properly filtered. Empty kiddie pools on a regular basis.
• Wheel barrows and garden carts can easily collect water. Make sure these are left inside a shed or garage or prop them upright to allow water to drain out.
• Mow your lawn on a regular basis. Mosquitoes will seek out cool places during the day. Overly long grass makes a great hiding place.

Controlling mosquitoes requires more than just a well-timed treatment program. Searching for and reducing sources of standing water will help to reduce mosquito populations around your outdoor environment.

When this isn’t enough, it may be time to look into mosquito control services.