Aftermath of Heavy Rains Can Become Mosquito Breeding Grounds

Mosquitoes love standing water, and right now, there is plenty of water lingering around Hillsborough County. Mosquitoes can lay between 50-200 eggs a day and they develop fast. Did you know that Mosquitoes can mature from eggs to adults in as little as four days?

Here are a few tips to clean up water around your home after a heavy storm.

Clean out rain gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters are one of the most overlooked breeding sites for mosquitoes around homes.

Empty and turn over containers holding water, such as cans, jars, drums, bottles, flower pots, buckets, children's toys, wheelbarrows, garbage can lids, small boats or canoes, old appliances, and plastic sheeting or tarps used to cover objects like grills or swimming pools.

Tires can breed thousands of mosquitoes. Drain or get rid of old tires by recycling them.

Change the water and clean out pet dishes and bird baths. Flush out bromeliad plants.

For more information on Hillsborough County Mosquito Control and tips to prevent or reduce mosquitoes, visit HCFL.Gov/Mosquito.