Mosquitoes frequently breed in standing, stagnating water. Their numbers increase in the late spring and early summer. When mosquitoes bite humans, they can spread West Nile Virus, a disease that can have debilitating symptoms. Homeowners who want to avoid contracting West Nile Virus can work to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds on their property. There are many proactive ways to decrease the mosquito population; let’s take a look at some of the things you can do to help prevent West Nile Virus.

Eliminate Standing Water

If you live in Northern Virginia, you understand how humid the summers can be. If your goal is to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus, it’s important that you reduce mosquito breeding grounds on your property. Mosquitoes need standing water for breeding, so when you take action to eliminate areas of standing water on your property, such as puddles, full buckets, or flower pots that are holding water, you’re doing your part to reduce the mosquito population.

Care for Pets Appropriately

If you have outdoor pets, change their water bowls every day to prevent the water from stagnating. Otherwise, mosquitoes may choose to breed in their water dishes. It’s also important to change the water in your bird baths regularly for the same reason. When it’s hot outside, pets need more than water than usual – use this as an opportunity to thoroughly clean their water bowls and refresh their water regularly to eliminate mosquito larvae.

Landscape Carefully

When you decide to add ponds or small wading pools to your property, be sure that the water circulates frequently enough to discourage mosquitoes from breeding. If the water is becoming stagnant or you notice an increased mosquito population, you may need to add chemicals to the water or adjust your circulation system.

Adjust Drainage

If you notice that standing water is collecting on your property in specific areas, consider grading or adjusting the way water flows across your land. Check areas that are lower in elevation, near gutters or downspouts, and other areas where water may collect, and adjust to prevent standing water.

Maintain Outdoor Toys Carefully

If your children have outdoor toys or play equipment, consider drilling small holes in each toy to allow for drainage. Turn any toys that are collecting water upside down before a rain storm, and keep child sized pools empty and stored on their side. Maintaining toys carefully protects children from both drowning and contracting West Nile Virus, so this is an especially important step.

Practice Proper Pool Maintenance

If you have a smaller inflatable pool, be sure to maintain it carefully with the appropriate chemicals. Otherwise, it can quickly become a stagnating breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you cannot keep up with pool maintenance, consider closing the pool early for the season.

Hire a Mosquito Service if Necessary

If you’ve tried the above steps and still have an issue with mosquitoes on your Northern Virginia property, consider hiring a mosquito service. These professionals can help you eliminate mosquitoes from your property, and specialize in getting rid of their breeding grounds.