Greenbook: A Local Guide to Chesapeake Living -Issue 11 | Page 61

HOW TO CONTROL MOSQUITOS
AROUND YOUR HOME
> For the best protection possible,
spray your property for mosquitoes
on a 21 day cycle from April through
October. > Look for trees with holes that
could contain water. Fill the holes
or remove limbs where water could
collect.
> Clean rain gutters to allow water
to flow freely. > Fix dripping outside water faucets.
> Remove old tires or drill drainage
holes in tires used for playground
equipment.
> Turn over wading pools,
wheelbarrows, wagons and carts
when not in use.
> Flush water from the bottom of
plant holders twice a week.
> Dispose of all empty beverage
containers, plastic wrappers,
discarded toys, etc.
> Check for trapped water in plastic
or canvas tarps used to cover boats,
pools, etc. Arrange the tarp to drain
the water.
> Replace water in bird baths 2x/ week.
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GREENBOOK | SPRING 2017
> Remove outdoor pet food and
water dishes that are not being used.
> Pump out bilges in boats.
> Turn canoes and small boats
upside down for storage.
> Flush livestock water troughs
twice a week.
> Don't leave garbage can lids lying
upside down.
> Be sure water does not collect
in the bottom of garbage cans
> Check around construction sites
or do-it-yourself improvements to
ensure that proper backfilling and
grading prevent drainage problems.
> Check ornamental ponds,
birdbaths and water-holding low
areas for mosquito larvae.
> Empty or screen corrugated drain
pipes.
> Aerate ornamental pools and
water gardens or stock with fish and
use a circulating filter system.
> If ditches do not flow and contain
stagnant water for one week or
longer, they can produce large
numbers of mosquitoes. Report
such conditions to a Mosquito
Control Office. Do not attempt to
clear these ditches because they
may be protected by wetland
regulations.
Information provided by Kurt and
Melissa Godwin, Mosquito Joe of
Annapolis and Howard County
and the Maryland Department of
Agriculture.
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