Questions on Prevention (Mosquitoes, Environment)

Q: What can I do to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around my home?

A: Mosquito control begins at the neighborhood level. Reducing mosquito breeding sites not only reduces mosquitoes in your yard, but your neighbor's yard, too. Common neighborhood breeding sites include tires and stagnant wading or swimming pools. Actions you can take to reduce mosquito populations include:

• Dispose of all water holding containers where water can stagnate;
• Remove all discarded tires on the property;
• Drill holes to drain water from recycling containers that are kept outdoors;
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall;
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use;
• Change the water in bird baths three times per week or put them away for the season;
• Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds;
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs;
• Prevent pools from stagnating;
• Drain water from pool covers;
• Use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water on your property.

Q: What can I do to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes?

A: Actions you can take to reduce mosquito bites include:

• Reduce or eliminate all stagnant water in your yard;
• Make sure all windows and doors have screens;
• Wear long sleeved shirts and pants in the evening if you are outside;
• Use insect repellant in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. To reduce the risk of bites when outside, insect repellant should contain DEET (see section on DEET).

Q: What is being done in my community to control or reduce the mosquito population?

A: Currently, larvicides are being used in catch basins and wet areas to kill larvae which would have developed into mosquitoes. As well, the Health Department is working with the public to educate about West Nile virus and to identify possible breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Q: Is Cortland County planning to spray to reduce mosquito populations?

A: At this time, there is no plan to spray the environment anywhere in Cortland County.

Frequently Asked Questions About West Nile Virus

General Questions
Questions on Illness
Questions on Birds and Reporting
Questions on Pets (Dogs, Cats, Birds)
Questions on Horses
Questions on Mosquitoes
Questions on Prevention (Mosquitoes, Environment)
Questions on DEET