Mosquito Prevention Recommendations
by Lindsey Lee

The City of Houston Health Department has published the following recommendations to control mosquitoes.

Reduce mosquito-breeding sites at your home by:

• Draining all standing water
• Turning over all containers which could hold water
• Draining and refilling birdbaths daily
• Eliminating pot plant saucers
• Raking and removing or mulching mow magnolia leaves

Keep the storm sewers clean:

• Do not allow lawn clipping to enter the storm sewers. Blow the clippings into the yard or sweep them up and bag them for disposal
• Pick up trash around the yard such as weekly newspapers and other litter

Protect yourself:

• When going outside, use an insect repellent which contains the ingredient DEET
• Wear long sleeves and long pants when outside
• Make sure that mosquitoes cannot enter your home through gaps in doors, window, vents, floor cracks, etc.
• If mosquitoes are found inside the house, swat them or use a flying insect spray to kill them