As mosquito season rolls into full swing, it’s time to take preventative measures to safeguard yourself and your home.

Preventing bites is the best way to stay safe and there are lots of easy ways to accomplish this. Most importantly, drain standing water in and around the house.

• Keep plant pots and saucers free of standing water
• Check buckets, toys, and birdbaths for pooled water
• Flush out water-holding plants like bromeliads with a hose every week
• Discard items where rain or sprinkler water collects and clean pet water bowls twice a week
• Check your house and patio for torn window screens and keep windows and doors closed to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside

If you go outdoors on a buggy night, wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves. Spray your skin and clothing with an insect repellent that contains DEET or other approved ingredients.

Draining standing water is the most effective way to stop them from reproducing.

Mosquito eggs that are laid in shallow water can hatch in a day or two. The larvae grow fast, turning into a pupa that quickly develops into a full-grown mosquito. The life cycle, from egg to adult mosquito, takes eight to 10 days. The pupae become flying mosquitoes in two to three days.

Residents Can Request Mosquito Service by Broward County

In Broward, residents are encouraged to make a request for service by Mosquito Control.

Call 311 or 954-765-4062 or submit the request online at:  http://www.broward.org/Mosquito/Pages/MosquitoServiceRequest.aspx

Tip Toss Treat - Mosquito Prevention