Fresno Mosquito & Vector Control District

Self- Help

Common Household Items

• Containers
  Any container capable of holding at least a teaspoon of water throw away, turn over, empty once a week or drill holes in the bottom. Examples: Buckets, watering cans, drinking glasses, cups, bottle caps, etc.

• Old Tires
  Dispose of at your local recycling facility. If used for playground equipment, drill holes for water to run. If on ground, ensure holes are not blocked by debris.

• Pet Water Bowls
  Scrub and rinse out once a week.

• Tarps, Plastic Covers, Flexible Sandbox Covers
  Drain water trapped in folds and arrange so water runs off.

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• Potted Plant Saucers
  Empty saucers or flush out with garden hose once a week. Remove saucers from under plants. 

• Garbage Cans, Barrels, Recycling Bins
  Keep cans covered with lid or drill holes in bottom. If collecting rain water, cover with fine mesh screen.

• Rain Barrels
  Cover rain barrel with insect screen and tightly secure. Install small pieces of screen over any other holes such as overflow valves or connection points, and secure.  If rain barrel comes with a screw top, place the square mesh between the rain barrel and the lid and screw it in place. Try to use the collected water first and empty barrels completely between rain events.

Building Structures

• Dripping Outdoor Faucets and Window Air Conditioners
  If puddling, repair faucet. Place rocks under window air conditioner to ensure water runs off or fill hole with dirt.

• Drainage Ditch, Culvert, or Low Areas Clogged by Grass or Weeds
  Remove grass and weed clippings so water can flow and/or drain freely. 

• Gutters, including “Covered” Types
  Clean so water runs freely.

• Hollow Fence Posts Without Caps
  Put caps on open chain link or plastic fence posts.

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• Old Playground Equipment
  Remove and dispose of. If it must be stored, put under cover. Be sure water drains off.

• Sump Pumps
  Cover with screening.

• Under Decks and Porches: Stored Items, Depressions in Dirt or Plastic Ground Linings
  Fill in depressions. Remove or turn over any stored items that hold water.

Children’s Toys

• Portable Basketball Hoops
  Ensure caps for fill holes are in place; replace if lost.

• Kiddie Pools
  Empty or change water in kiddie pools every 5-7 days. Store indoors or turn over when not in use.

• Sand Boxes
  Drill small drainage holes on the bottom of the sand box.

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• Toys, Wagons, Etc.
  Keep toys turned over or inside when not in use. If water can get inside the plastic toy, so can a mosquito — drill drainage holes in the bottom.

• Deflated Toys
  Drain off water, dry out, and store indoors when not in use.

Recreation

• Boats, Canoes
  Pump out bilges. Turn over canoes and small boats. If not possible to turn over, dump out after each rain.

• Jet Skis
  Rinse out the foot depressions with a hose.

• Pool Pumps and Drains
  Check weekly to ensure water is draining from area.

• Old Playground Equipment

        Remove and dispose of. If it must be stored, put under cover.

        Be sure water drains off.

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• Pools, Spas, Unmaintained Swimming Pools
  Turn over kiddie pools when not in use. Contact the District when swimming pools and spas are in nonoperational condition. If draining, wet/dry vacuum to remove water.

• Under Decks and Porches: Stored Items, Depressions in Dirt or Plastic Ground Linings
  Fill in depressions. Remove or turn over any stored items that hold water.

Inside the Home

• Flower Vase with Floral Arrangements
  Replace water & scrub interior to eliminate mosquito eggs once a week.

• Holiday Items such as Tree Stands
  Replace water at least once a week and scrub thoroughly before storage.

• Pet Water Bowls
  Rinse out once a week.

• Potted Plants with Saucers
  Empty saucers once a week. Remove saucers from under plants.

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• Toilet Bowl Brush Holders
  Drain water in the container frequently.

• Under Kitchen Sink
  Keep space beneath sink clear and free of damp.

• Small Decorative Fountains or Water Features
  Maintain in operational condition or drain entirely.

• Stagnant Toilet Water
  Flush water in extra toilet frequently.

• Standing Water in Disconnected Pipes Exposed During Home Renovations
  Temporarily seal disconnected pipes until plumbing system is in working order.

Dead Bird

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