Mosquito Control Around the Home

The best way to manage mosquitoes around the home is to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.

• Flush birdbaths and wading pools weekly.
• Swimming pool filtering systems should be maintained and in good working order.
• Abandoned pools should be drained, filled, or "shocked" with pool chemicals.
• Openings for standing water sources (septic tanks, roof gutters, rain barrels) can be sealed or covered with screening.
• Rotten stumps and tree holes can be filled with sand.
• Discarded tires should be disposed of properly or holes (0.5 inches or larger) can be drilled in the bottom of the tires to drain water. Tires can also be stacked and covered to prevent rainwater from entering.
• Remove any artificial containers that hold water (e.g., wheelbarrows, pails, paint cans, etc.).
• Water lawns and gardens minimally to prevent puddling.
• Change water in ornamental pools and aquatic gardens or install an aerator. You can stock minnows, such as Gambusia, koi, or guppies, as a natural biological control. Fish can be brought indoors for winter or restocked annually. (Please note that large pond stocking with non-native fish or releasing fish into public waters is prohibited.)

The Connecticut Public Health Code prohibits homeowners from creating or maintaining sources of mosquitoes on their property. Violators are subject to enforcement actions by their local health department.

Insecticides, such as those containing the bacteria Bacillus thurgiensis var. israelensis (Bti), are available at many nurseries and garden supply centers and can be used to treat mosquito breeding sites. In general, natural ponds and lakes are not sources of mosquito breeding because permanent bodies of water usually contain fish and other predators that would consume mosquito larvae. 

Personal Precautions

Mosquitoes prefer to rest in shady, calm areas and will avoid more open sunny, breezy areas. Mowing tall grass will reduce places where mosquitoes can rest. Mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk although some, such as the common saltmarsh mosquito, may be active throughout the day or during cloudy, humid weather. Simply avoiding outdoor activity during these peak mosquito times can minimize contact with mosquitoes.

To reduce your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes:

• Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• When it is necessary to be outdoors, use mosquito repellents containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, including DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. EPA registration of skin-applied repellent products indicates that they have been evaluated and approved for human safety and effectiveness when applied according to instructions on the label.
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light-colored and loose-fitting and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
• Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes and ticks.
• Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
• When sleeping outdoors, use tents or mosquito netting in an unscreened structure. Treat camping gear with permethrin when possible.
• Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito nets when outside.

To reduce mosquito infestations in the house, maintain screens over doors and windows. A porch or deck also can be enclosed with screening. Outside light use should be reduced and yellow light bulbs used when possible.

Homeowners may also consider spraying pesticides labeled for mosquito control to shade trees, hedges, and shrubs adjacent to foundations, fences, and stone walls where adult mosquitoes are most likely to light. Several over-the-counter aerosol sprays that homeowners can use to control mosquitoes are available. Always read and follow the label instructions. Private, CT-certified applicators can also be hired to treat yards and neighborhoods. Make sure the applicator is certified in the "Mosquito and Biting Fly" category (cat. 7f) by the CT DEEP Pesticide Management Program. (Businesses Registered to Perform Mosquito Control in Connecticut)

Precautions for Domestic Animals

EEE and WNV can be fatal to horses. Horse owners are strongly encouraged to protect their horses from EEE and WNV by inoculation. Canine heartworm (filariasis) is a fatal disease circulated in dogs by biting mosquitoes. The DEEP, CAES, or DPH do not monitor for heartworm in mosquitoes. Dog owners are encouraged to protect their pets from canine heartworm by administering preventative medications obtained through their veterinarian.

Mosquito Management

Managing Mosquitoes Using Insecticides

Mosquito Control Using Water Management

Public Service Announcements (informational videos)

Content last updated in September 2024.