Buckets, trash cans, dumpsters, and more can collect water and attract mosquitoes
Residents across Hillsborough County have been diligently working to eliminate standing water around their homes to help reduce mosquito breeding sites amid an ongoing outbreak of dengue. While residents continue to clean up their homes, it's also important for businesses to check for standing water around their workplaces.
Hillsborough County Mosquito Management reminds businesses that it is important to look in the alley behind a shop to eliminate potential places that can hold standing water.
Alleyways, loading areas, dumpsters, and outdoor storage spaces can contain objects that collect rainwater and create places for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. These areas can be easy to overlook, especially when they're behind a building or not regularly used by customers. Businesses can help by taking a few minutes to inspect the areas behind their property and remove or drain anything that can hold water.
Check behind your business
- Businesses often have items outside that homeowners may not have, including:
- Buckets and large containers used for cleaning, maintenance, or storage
- Garbage and recycling bins that collect water in their lids or bottoms
- Dumpsters and dumpster lids that can hold water
- Outdoor storage containers and equipment
- Delivery carts, dollies, and other equipment left outside
- Empty kegs and beverage containers
- Grease-collection containers and other food-service equipment
- Tarps and plastic covers that can collect rainwater
- Construction materials or unused equipment
- Clogged drains, gutters, and downspouts
- Outdoor planters and decorative features
Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus, and the mosquito primarily responsible for spreading the virus is Aedes aegypti. Unlike mosquitoes that commonly breed in ponds, lakes, and other larger bodies of water, Aedes aegypti is a container breeder. The mosquito can lay its eggs in small amounts of standing water found around homes and businesses.
Don't forget the alley
Alleys and areas behind businesses are often easy to overlook. Trash, containers, and other debris can accumulate in these spaces, while uneven pavement and clogged drains can allow rainwater to remain for days. Business owners and employees should regularly inspect the entire property, including the back of the building, loading areas, parking lots and alleyways, for anything that can hold water.
Standing water should be dumped, drained, or removed whenever possible. Mosquito management officials say items that must remain outside should be covered or positioned so they cannot collect rainwater. Businesses should pay particular attention to areas around dumpsters, outdoor storage, delivery areas, and food service equipment.
Every business can help fight mosquitoes
Eliminating standing water is a simple way businesses can help reduce mosquito breeding sites in the community. Regular inspections of commercial properties, especially after rainfall, can help protect employees, customers, and neighbors while supporting Hillsborough County's efforts to manage mosquito populations during the dengue outbreak.
Discover answers to commonly asked questions about mosquitoes, including information about how the pests can spread diseases. Visit Hillsborough County's mosquito operations hub to stay up to date on localized aerial treatments and report any mosquito issues.