Reduce mosquitoes in your neighborhood and community by using this backyard checklist to find and remove standing water in and around your home.

Mosquitoes need standing water in order to lay their eggs and complete their life cycle. 

Mosquitoes can grow from egg to adult in just 7–10 days—even in as little water as a bottle cap.

Common Sources in and around homes

Ponds

Many types of water features can be home to more than just your fish. Mosquitoes find this to be an ideal breeding ground, especially if the pond is does not have a pump or if the pump does not circulate the water enough. 

Solution
The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District can provide you with mosquitofish and/or another type of treatment at no cost if you are a Alameda County resident. Make sure you remove excess vegetation, as that can provide a place for mosquitoes to hide from fish. 

Treeholes

The Western Tree hole mosquito, Aedes sierrensis, is one local mosquito species that breeds in treeholes and other tree cavities/depressions. This specific mosquito species can also breed in artifical containers, such as tires and buckets. 

Solution

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District proactively treats tree holes before and throughout the season. We encourage Alameda County residents to contact us or a licensed tree service for advice if they see mosquitoes breeding in the standing water collected in the tree hole or any tree cavities. Once contacted, a District technician can consult and provide guidance and/or appropriate treatment.

Old Tires

Whether in storage or used for playground equipment, tires can hold enough water for mosquitoes to breed. 

Solution
The best solution is to dispose of the tires at your local recycling facility. If the tires are used for playground equipment, drill holes into them so the water to drain. 

 

Leaky Plumbing/Faucets

Leaks can become a mosquito problem. Over time, water can accumulate on grass, dirt or surface and provide enough standing water for mosquitoes. 

Solution
Repair the faucet/plumbing leak to prevent water from pooling. The District can also provide consultation and temporary treatment while repairs are being completed.

 

Tarps/Pool Covers/Plastic Covers

Dips and folds in tarps and plastic covers used for storage and pools can hold stagnant water for a long period of time. 

Solution
Drain water trapped on the folds and dips of the tarp and re-arrange so that water does not accumulate.

 

Street Gutters

Overwatering can lead to standing water along street gutters. Leaves, grass clippings and other organic debris can block water from draining into nearby storm drains and catch basins. 

Solution
If the gutter is blocked by debris, sweeping it and clearing it regularly can keep water from accumulating along the street.   

 

Storm Drains/Catch Basins

Storm drains, also referred to as catch basins, can hold water for extended periods of time after rain or even throughout the summer.

Solution 
The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District and other mosquito and vector control districts across California have programs where District staff routinely check and treat catch basins throughout their jurisdictions. 

Containers

Any containers, such as buckets, water toys, pet bowls, yard litter (including aluminum cans, bottles, etc.), and kiddie pools, can hold water for more than a few days and become a mosquito source. 

Solution
Drain them, put a lid on them, turn them upside-down, or dispose them. Make sure to walk and check for standing water in and around your home at least once a week to prevent mosquitoes.

Bird Baths, Fountains, and Other Water Features

For bird baths and other water features,  dump the water our or flush it out with a garden hose at least once a week.  If there are any mosquito larvae, they will die once they are out of the water in the bird bath. If possible, installing a working pump and filter that can provide enough water movement is also an effective option to prevent mosquitoes. 

Swimming Pools

Unused and unmaintained swimming pools can produce millions of mosquitoes in a month.  The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District works with residents to provide treatment options to control for mosquitoes in swimming pools that do not have a working pump and filtration system and regular treatment schedule. 

Solution
The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District works with residents to make sure the unmaintained swimming pools are mosquito-free.