Mosquitoes

Mosquito biting a person

Keep Mosquitoes Away

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying. They can spread diseases and make being outside unpleasant. Use these tips to keep them under control, and check out our printable Mosquito Prevention Checklist(PDF, 71KB) to take action today!


Prevent Mosquitoes from Breeding

Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Removing water sources helps stop them from multiplying.

Once a Week:

  • Dump out standing water from containers like flowerpot saucers, watering cans, and buckets.
  • Change the water and clean bird baths.
  • Remove standing water from tarp folds, flat roofs, and other outdoor surfaces.
  • Ensure proper drainage in corrugated pipes, gutters, and downspouts.

Once a Month:

  • Use mosquito larvicides like Mosquito Dunks® in standing water that you cannot drain. These natural insecticides 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:

  • Clear debris from drainage ditches to allow water to flow.
  • Throw away old tires or donate them if they are in good condition.
  • Use a circulation pump to keep water moving in ornamental ponds, or add fish to eat mosquito larvae.
  • Drain or fill puddles that remain wet for more than a week.
  • Check and repair window and door screens.
  • Secure garbage can lids to prevent water from collecting inside.
  • Request a cart repair if your bin is damaged (703-228-5000 or online).
  • Cover rain barrels with a screen or use mosquito dunks.
  • Organize a neighborhood clean-up to remove mosquito breeding sites.

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. The last cases happened in Florida and Texas (2016 to 2019).

Arlington County follows Virginia Department of Health and CDC guidance to keep people safe.