Star Chem

Mosquito Topics:

Preventing Mosquitoes

Many community agencies conduct wide area mosquito spraying (or fogging) to control local mosquito populations, however there are steps you can take to reduce mosquito populations without using insecticides, such as removing standing water to prevent young mosquitoes from growing up. You can also protect yourself from mosquito bites with various insect repellents on the market today. For help selecting a mosquito repellent, try our Insect Repellent Locator or our My Repellent Finder App.

Mosquito Control Methods

There are steps you can take to reduce mosquito populations without using insecticides. Here are some tips to consider when trying to avoid mosquito bites:

Empty water from containers such as flower pots, birdbaths, pet water dishes, cans, gutters, tires and buckets regularly to disrupt the mosquito breeding cycle.
Keep windows and door screens in good working order to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
If possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors, consider staying indoors early in the morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active.
Maintain your swimming pool to prevent mosquito breeding, and report abandoned pools to your local health department.
Use mosquito netting over infants carriers when infants are outdoors.
Consider using an insect repellent, be sure to follow the label directions for applying the repellent. For help selecting a mosquito repellent, try our Insect Repellent Locator.

Insecticides can also be used to help control mosquitoes. Some products are designed to be applied directly to water to control mosquito larvae, while others are used more broadly to control adult mosquitoes. Some community agencies provide mosquito control as a service to the public and may apply pesticides by trucks or planes. Visit the links below to get more information about how to control mosquitoes.

Pesticides Used In Mosquito Control

There are a variety of products available on the market for the public and for professionals when it comes to mosquito control. Larvicides are chemicals designed to be applied directly to water to control mosquito larvae. Adulticides are used in fogging and spraying to control adult mosquitoes. Synergists are not toxic to the mosquitoes themselves, but they make adulticides more effective. Some communities provide mosquito control as a service to the public and may apply pesticides from trucks or planes.
If you decide to use a pesticide for mosquito control, always remember to read and follow the label instructions carefully.