Mosquito Protection

Many of us in the neighborhood are getting bitten by the invasive Aedes mosquitoes that are a problem throughout Los Angeles. Not only are their bites itchy and painful, but these mosquitoes can also carry West Nile disease.

We can individually use products to repel mosquitoes, but the only real way to eliminate them from the neighborhood is to remove their breeding grounds: standing water. These mosquitoes need only about teaspoon of water to lay eggs, and they can travel up to half a block, so we all need to carefully inspect our yards for any sources of standing water to protect ourselves and our neighbors.  

Here are some common problem areas to look for in our yards: 

• Plant saucers (The inspector who came to my home said this is the most common culprit he finds. Please get rid of saucers and let your planters drain on the ground!)

• Flower pots and vases

• Buckets

• Clogged rain gutters

• Rain barrels

• Watering cans

• Ponds

• Birdbaths

• Fountains

Even when we don’t have rain, small amounts of condensation or sprinkler water can collect in these spots and provide a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes.  

Once you’ve inspected your yard for spots that can hold water and removed them, the next thing to do is to contact Los Angeles County Vector Control District. They will send someone to check your yard and your neighbors’ yards.  

Click for more information about eliminating breeding grounds: https://www.glamosquito.org/do-it-yourself-solutions-for-mosquito-problems.