Mosquitoes

– Empty standing water in birdbaths and pots.
– Wear long sleeves at dusk near marsh edges.
– Look for small, itchy bites on arms and legs.

Source reduction (eliminate standing water), larvicide treatment of remaining water sources, adulticide perimeter spray or misting-system treatment to knockdown resting adults; professional barrier programs. The first step is to get rid of standing water. No water means no place for eggs to grow. A pro treats the shady spots where adults rest. A yard barrier program keeps the numbers down all season.

We cut breeding sites and treat standing water with larvicide. Then we offer yard barrier sprays for adults.

– Empty and refresh birdbaths, pet bowls, and flower pot saucers at least weekly.

– Clean and flush gutters regularly to prevent water accumulation.

– Install or repair window and door screens to keep adults out.

– Apply EPA-registered insect repellent (DEET, picaridin, or IR3535) when outdoors.

– Mow tall grass and trim dense shrubbery where adults rest during the day.

– Empty and refresh birdbaths weekly.

– Clean gutters and check boat bilges for water.

– Mow grass and trim dense shrubs near play areas.

Females breed in any standing water — gutters, birdbaths, tree holes, low-lying puddles, and containers holding as little as a bottle cap of water; adults rest in dense vegetation and shaded areas. Only females bite, and they need a blood meal to lay eggs. Most adults stay near where they hatched.

Mosquitoes are common near Portland marshes and low yards. Summer heat and tides boost their numbers.