Mosquitoes and Standing Water in Bakersfield Yards
Mosquitoes need only a little water to breed. In a dry city, irrigation and backyard containers are often the source.
Request pest controlWeekly walk-around
Tip out plant saucers, buckets, toys, tarps and anything that collects water.
Gutters and drains
Clogged gutters and blocked drains hold water. Clear them.
Pools and ponds
Keep pools clean and circulating. Neglected pools breed mosquitoes and may be reported to vector control.
Irrigation
Fix leaky drip lines and adjust sprinklers that leave puddles.
Protect yourself
Use repellent outdoors at dawn and dusk and repair torn screens.
West Nile virus
Mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus. Protecting yourself from bites matters.
Yard treatments
Treating shrubs and shady areas reduces adults; larvicide treats water that can't be removed.
Get help
See mosquito control.
Pet bowls and livestock troughs
Change outdoor pet water daily and scrub troughs regularly. Mosquito larvae can develop in a bowl of water left out for a week in summer heat.
Clothing
Light-coloured, loose clothing with long sleeves helps on evenings outside, especially near canals and irrigated fields.
Irrigation timing
Water lawns early in the morning so puddles dry during the day. Overwatering that leaves soggy patches for days gives mosquitoes a place to breed and wastes water in a dry climate.
Hidden water
Check less obvious places: the saucer under a potted plant, corrugated drain pipes, tree holes, wheelbarrows, boat covers and tyre swings.
Ponds and fountains
Moving water discourages mosquitoes. Keep fountains running, and ask about fish or larvicide for ornamental ponds.
Peak times
Mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk in warm months. Plan outdoor time around those hours when possible.
Report problem sites
If a neighbouring pool or property is breeding mosquitoes, your local vector control district can inspect it.
More pest control guides
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