Tip & Toss

Mosquito Control reminds citizens that the best way to protect our community from mosquitoes is to prevent them from breeding. One of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of mosquito-borne viruses is controlling the mosquito population by eliminating standing water around your homes and in your yards. Mosquitoes lay eggs in water, and a bottle cap of water is all they need. With the rain we’ve experienced lately, this is a perfect time to remind York County to Tip & Toss.

After every rainfall, tip out any standing water in flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, wading pools, buckets and anything else around your yard that can hold water. If it holds water and you don’t need it (old tires, bottles, cans), toss it out. Make sure water storage containers, such as rain barrels and buckets, are tightly covered or sealed to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water.
Also:

• Clean out gutters
• Remove piles of leaves
• Keep vegetation cut low to prevent landing sites for adult mosquitoes
• Citizens are encouraged to cleanup yards and communities to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in roadside trash
• Keep doors shut and cover windows with screens, and repair or replace any screens with holes in them
• Use insect repellent containing DEET