Mosquitoes

Mosquito biting a person

Prevent Mosquitoes from Breeding

Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Getting rid of water helps stop them from multiplying.

Once a Week

  • Dump out standing water from buckets, watering cans, plant saucers, toys, wheelbarrows, boats, and covers.
  • Change the water and clean bird baths.
  • Empty standing water from tarps, flat surfaces, and other places where water collects.
  • Check gutters, downspouts, and corrugated drainpipes to make sure water can flow.

Once a Month

  • Check under decks and porches for low spots or items holding water.
  • Use mosquito larvicides like Mosquito Dunks® in standing water you cannot drain. These products kill mosquito larvae and are safe for birds, fish, and pets. Tip: Secure dunks with string to keep them in place and prevent washing away.

As Needed

  • Fix dripping outdoor faucets and AC units.
  • Drain, fill, or treat puddles that stay wet for more than a week.
  • Throw away or donate old tires.
  • Make sure ornamental ponds have moving water or fish that eat mosquito larvae.
  • Repair window and door screens.
  • Keep garbage and recycling bins covered and in good condition.
  • Cover rain barrels with a screen or treat with mosquito dunks.
  • Clear debris from ditches and drains so water can flow.
  • Organize a neighborhood clean-up to remove places where mosquitoes breed.

Get Rid of Adult Mosquitoes

  • Use permethrin barrier spray on vegetation.
  • Permethrin is an insecticide that repels and kills mosquitoes.
  • It has low human toxicity and is available at garden centers and hardware stores.
  • Check product labels—permethrin is the active ingredient, not the brand name.
  • Apply permethrin to ivy, shrubs, trees, ornamental grasses, and other mosquito resting spots.
  • Treatment lasts two to three weeks, depending on rain.
  • Reapply as needed, based on mosquito presence.
  • Always follow label instructions when using insecticides.

Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

  • Use an effective repellent like DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Follow label directions.
  • Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks when outdoors.

Mosquito Control on County Property

Parks

The Department of Parks and Recreation removes standing water from parks and playgrounds. You can help by not leaving toys behind, since they collect water and attract mosquitoes.

Schools

Arlington Public Schools staff also remove standing water as part of regular maintenance to prevent mosquitoes on school grounds.

Common Mosquito Types in Arlington

Culex Mosquito: Carrier of West Nile Virus

  • Scientific Names: Culex pipiens, Culex restuans
  • Appearance: Small, brown mosquito
  • Activity: Most active from dusk until dawn
  • Personality: Shy, not aggressive
  • Biting habits: Prefers birds, but will occasionally bite mammals, including people
  • Preferred Breeding Sites: Stagnant, nutrient-rich water (storm drains, clogged gutters, long-standing puddles)
  • Hangouts: Trees, bushes, and tall grass
  • Health Risk: Primary carrier of West Nile virus
Culex mosquito on a person

Asian Tiger Mosquito: Arlington’s #1 Nuisance

  • Scientific Name: Aedes albopictus
  • Appearance: Black mosquito with white markings on the body and legs
  • Activity: Daytime biter
  • Personality: Very aggressive
  • Biting habits: Prefers human blood, but will feed on other mammals and birds
  • Preferred Breeding Sites: Artificial containers with water (tires, buckets, flowerpots, corrugated drain pipes)
  • Hangouts: Shady, humid areas (ivy, azaleas, bushes)
  • Health Risk: Can carry West Nile virus but is more of a nuisance than a serious health risk
Aedes mosquito on a person

 

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes can spread West Nile Virus. Learn how it spreads, its symptoms, and how to prevent it on our West Nile Virus page.

Zika Virus

Mosquitoes can spread Zika virus. Right now, there is no local spread in the U.S. Learn more on our Zika Virus page.

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