City of Garrett, Indiana

What the City Does to Control Mosquitoes

1. Prevent mosquito larvae in the following areas:
   
   
   • Catch Basins.
   • Floodwater Sites.
   • Roadside Ditches.
   • Sewage Treatment Plant.
   • Wetland Areas.
     
     
2. The City uses a sprayer in the evenings during summer months to reduce potential mosquito populations.
   
   
3. Community Education.

What You Can Do To Control Mosquitoes

1. Dispose of any waste that holds water, such as cans, containers and tires.
2. Clean the roof gutters on your house frequently, and check storm drains and window wells.
3. Empty standing water from boats, trailers, toys wheelbarrows and pots. Turn these items over when not in use.
4. Fill in or drain any low places (puddles or ruts) in you yard.
5. Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of weeds and trash so water will drain properly.
6. Cover trash containers to keep out rain water.
7. Repair leaky pipes and outdoor faucets.
8. Fill in tree rut holes and hollow stumps, that can hold water, with with sand or concrete.
9. Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around your house to prevent mosquito breeding and hiding places.
10. If you have a swimming pool, make sure it is properly cleaned and chlorinated when not in use.

Protecting Yourself

In addition to preventing mosquito breeding grounds, you also need to protect yourself from mosquito bites:

1. Inspect all window and door screens in your house to make sure they're "bug-tight."
2. Stay indoors at the times when mosquitoes are most prevalent: morning and early evening / dusk.
3. If you're outdoors when mosquitoes are active, dress in light-colored, long-sleeved clothing, long pants and socks. Apply mosquito repellent with DEET to clothing and exposed skin according to label directions.

• More information regarding protecting yourself against mosquitoes from the EPA web page.

Information provided by Lee Bard, City of Garrett, Indiana