Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County

The Mosquito Control program protects Montgomery County from mosquito-borne diseases. Through regular trapping and species identification, the local mosquito and tick population is monitored, tested, and controlled.

Remove their habitat (where they live and breed)

• Eliminate standing water in rain gutters, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can breed.
• Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.
• Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt.
• Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.

Prevent your exposure to mosquitoes

• Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label directions and precautions closely.
• Use head nets, long sleeves and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations, such as salt marshes.
• If there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect, stay inside during the evening when mosquitoes are active.
• Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight.”
• Replace your outdoor lights with yellow “bug” lights which tend to attract less mosquitoes than ordinary lights. The yellow lights are NOT repellents, however.

Common Questions

How long do mosquitoes live?

While lifespan varies among different types of mosquitoes, most only live for about 2 weeks.

Why do mosquitoes feed on blood?

Female mosquitoes need to ingest blood so that they can lay their eggs. Male mosquitoes do not feed on blood at all.

What makes mosquitoes bite me?

It’s true that mosquitoes are more attracted to some people than others, but scientists are still unsure why. We do know that mosquitoes are attracted to a number of things, such as carbon dioxide, moisture, lactic acid, and heat.