With warm weather settling into Hamilton County, there’s one familiar nuisance already buzzing: mosquitoes. Mosquito season typically runs from May through October, and thanks to the area’s hot, humid summers, these pests thrive, bringing with them the risk of illnesses for both humans and pets.
“We had a wet spring, which means lots of potential mosquito breeding grounds heading into summer,” says Jeremy Hessel, director of Environmental Services at Hamilton County Public Health. “Now’s the time for homeowners to take action and reduce those risks.”
The Rule of Three: Drain, Dunk, Protect
According to Hessel, the best defense against mosquitoes starts right in your own yard. His advice? “Drain, dunk, protect.” Here’s what that means:
1. Drain: Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water, so even small puddles can become a breeding ground. Check your property for anything that collects water:
-Birdbaths
-Kiddie pools and toys
-Buckets, wheelbarrows, open containers
-Gutters, old tires, or tarps
-Drain, clean, cover, or fill them—whatever it takes to keep water from sitting.
2. Dunk: Use Larvicide in Water You Can’t Drain
Got a pond or rain barrel that has to stay? Use mosquito dunks, or larvicide that kills mosquito larvae before they grow up to bite. These come in granules, liquid, or briquets and are safe for the environment (and pets!). You can find them at hardware stores or big-box retailers for just a few bucks.
3. Protect: Block the Bite
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so try to stay indoors during those hours. If you do head outside:
-Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes
-Apply EPA-registered repellents
-Keep pets indoors during peak mosquito times
-Fix window and door screens to keep bugs out
Stay Ahead of the Swarm
No solution will eliminate mosquitoes entirely, but these simple steps can significantly reduce the threat around your home.
“Mosquitoes are part of life, but you don’t have to be their host,” Hessel says. “Tackling breeding grounds now makes for a healthier, more comfortable summer for you and your pets.”
Want more mosquito control facts? Read or download our fact sheet: bit.ly/MosquitoControlFacts
