Mosquito Breeding Areas Around The Home

This page has been automatically translated from English. MSDH has not reviewed this translation and is not responsible for any inaccuracies.

Emptying or removing these common sites of mosquito larvae prevents adult mosquitoes from developing.

Most of the mosquito complaints during the summer months in towns and cities are caused by mosquitoes coming from the artificial and natural container sites listed below. These sites are the responsibility of the home or property owner. Use the "TIP OR TOSS" method of management to prevent mosquito breeding in most containers:

Tip (or rinse) water from these containers at least once a week

Toss (take to landfill) any containers not needed. Be responsible!

Use the following checklist of containers that commonly hold water to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around your house.

  • Buckets
  • Cans
  • Bottles
  • Jars and their lids, particularly those used to root plants indoor and outdoors
  • Toys, particularly plastics, including plastic jungle gyms
  • Swimming and wading pools
  • Tires
  • Wagons and wheel barrows
  • Cups
  • Flower pots and saucers
  • Bird baths
  • Blocked gutters
  • Plastic drain pipes
  • Tree and root holes
  • Plant leaf axils
  • Tarps over wood piles
  • Machinery: refrigerators, washers, freezers, junk autos and parts
  • Air conditioner drain areas
  • Hubcaps
  • Ceramic bowls, old toilet and tubs
  • Pipes in ground (upright)
  • Pet water bowls
  • Trash cans
  • Cement ponds, pools, cisterns, catch basins, sump pits
  • Flat roofs
  • Boats and canoes
  • Hot tubs
  • Rain barrels

From a handout by Dr. Bruce Harrison, North Carolina Department of Public Health
Last reviewed on Sep 6, 2023 request edits
Mississippi State Department of Health 570 East Woodrow Wilson Dr Jackson, MS 39216 866‑HLTHY4U Contact and information

Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS

Accredited by the national Public Health Accreditation Board