* Mosquitoes are most active in the early evening and morning hours, and if you go outside, personal protection is possible using an approved mosquito repellant containing at least 30% DEET.***Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products***

* If there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect, stay inside during the evening and early morning hours when mosquitoes are most active.
* Make sure your window and door screens are "bug tight."
* Replace all outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights, especially near the entrances to your house.
If there are large mosquito populations evident in your neighborhood, they will come out and try to eliminate the source if they can find it. If you have any questions about mosquitoes and their control they may also be able to help. You can also call Pest Control Service NYC; we'd be happy to answer your questions.

YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY INSPECT YOUR PROPERTY!

The First Line of Defense-Go After Potential Mosquito Breeding Sources--

• Empty any standing water in old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where eggs could be laid and larvae and pupae may thrive.
• Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week if not more often.
• Drain or fill temporary pools with dirt.
• Keep swimming pools treated and circulating, and keep rain gutters unclogged.

You can greatly improve your mosquito situation by checking your property and eliminating all the sources of stagnant water, denying the female mosquito places to lay her eggs. Also, rethink having bird feeders; they draw host birds to your property.

Other areas to check include:

Catch basins; Ditches; Low-lying depressions; Storm sewer drains; Decorative ponds; Wet areas by outdoor faucets; Sprinkler system outlets that leak; Street gutters in front of your house; Water troughs; Tarps that collect water; Play toys that hold water; Air conditioner drains; Unused equipment--even boats; and any area where rainwater or runoff collects.

You can stock mosquitofish in any decorative ponds that you wish to maintain, keeping the mosquito population in check.  You can also report dead birds (especially ravens, crows, magpies, and blue jays) for pickup and testing to the same phone number.

Products you can use:

The use of citronella products has proven to be a very cost effective means to keep mosquitoes away from outdoor areas. Burning lantern fuel containing citronella is probably the best means for you to take control of the situation in your yard during the evening hours. You can obtain this and other citronella-containing products such as "Tiki Torches" at your local Home Depot or Lowe's.