- Use larvicides in standing water Apply approved larvicides to areas of standing water that cannot be drained Larvicides disrupt the mosquito life cycle by killing larvae before they mature into adults
- Maintain landscaping Keep grass, weeds, and shrubs trimmed to eliminate potential mosquito resting areas Remove piles of leaves, sticks, or other organic matter that can provide moist breeding grounds
- Use repellents and protective clothing Apply EPA-registered insect repellents when spending time outdoors Wear long sleeves, pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes to cover exposed skin
- Support biological control Encourage the presence of natural mosquito predators like bats, birds, dragonflies, and fish Consider introducing mosquito-eating fish in permanent water features
- Explore community-wide mosquito control Work with local authorities or mosquito control districts to implement area-wide spraying or other large-scale measures
- Stay vigilant and persistent Monitor for mosquito activity and re-apply control measures as needed Consistency is key to effectively managing mosquito populations over time
A punch list can be for an individual, family, community, company, or city. It is the list of the actions you or a group will undertake and accomplish over a predetermined span of time—one month, one year, five years, or more. You can make different lists for different time periods—this week and this year for example.