How to handle mosquito season

ATASCADERO — The weather is warming up, and with the recent rainfall and potential for standing water, mosquitoes have also arrived. It’s important to take the necessary steps to help eliminate breeding places for mosquitos in and around all residences and workplaces and to reduce mosquito-borne health risks.

• Eliminate locations for mosquitoes to lay their eggs by removing standing water sources from around your property. Routinely remove standing water from items such as decorative ponds, bird baths, fountains, flowerpots, pet bowls, animal troughs, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, discarded tires, buckets, barrels, cans, etc. Even small containers with standing water can provide a breeding habitat for mosquitoes.
• Use mosquito dunks in locations with standing water, along with other pest control/abatement products, which can be purchased at most local nursery and hardware supply stores.
• To avoid being bitten, consider staying indoors between dusk and dawn. Peak mosquito biting time is 30 minutes before and after dusk and dawn. Avoid activities and places where mosquitoes are plentiful.
• Apply insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET when you’re outdoors and mosquitos are present.
• Wear long-sleeved clothes, pants, and socks. Clothing can also be treated with repellants containing DEET.
• Take steps to ensure that all windows and doors have screens; do not leave doors open for extended periods of time.