Infectious diseasesepidemiology and surveillance

Page contents:  Stop breeding around your home | Stop mosquitoes entering your house | Stop breeding in rainwater tanks | Alternative water supplies | Download document

Stop mosquitoes breeding around your home

Mosquitoes breed in still water. The following are examples of potential breeding sites and control strategies that you can use around the home:

• dispose of all tins, tyres and other rubbish containers that may hold water
• put sand around bases of pot plants to absorb excess water in the dish
• keep swimming pools chlorinated, salted or empty them completely when not in use for considerable periods
• empty children's wading pools regularly
• overturn boats and dinghies or remove the drain plug so they do not hold water
• empty flower vases, pot plants and other receptacles that hold water at least once a week
• drill holes in tyres used for swings, playgrounds and garden surrounds to allow water to drain
• empty bird baths and pets drinking water at least once a week
• prevent leaking taps which can maintain semi permanent pools
• flush disused outside toilets once a week
• keep fish ponds stocked with fish
• remove weeds and grass from drains to enable them to drain freely
• keep roof guttering in good repair and regularly remove leaves and debris so that pools of water do not form
• keep lawns and gardens well maintained so that you are not providing shelter for adult mosquitoes.

Stop mosquitoes entering your house

• install flywire screens on all windows and place self closing wire screens on doors
• check, repair and replace any screens with holes (screens should be no coarser than 12 x 12 meshes per 25mm).

Stop mosquitoes breeding in rainwater tanks

Rainwater tanks can become a major breeding area so you should ensure that:

• any tops, lids, covers and inlet pipes are close fitting
• outlet and over-flow pipes are fitted with removable screen mesh
• all water inlets entering the tanks are screened to stop adult mosquitoes getting in.

As an interim measure you can treat small water areas such as ponds and rainwater tanks with small quantities (depending on the size of the tank) of domestic kerosene or paraffin oil. These products produce a film on the surface which drowns any larvae present.

Alternative water supplies

Water restrictions and increased water conservation has led to a range of different water collection devices around the home. While water conservation is important they shouldn’t create a risk to public health. Make sure any collection containers have secure lids or screens to prevent mosquito breeding.

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 Mosquito control around the home