Homeowner Tips

Mosquito activity around the home can be reduced significantly by decreasing the amount of standing water available for larval mosquito habitat. Please review the mosquito control tips below:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property. Do not overlook containers that have become overgrown by any type of vegetation.
• Pay special attention to discarded tires that may have accumulated on your property. The used tire has become the most important domestic mosquito producer in this area. To remove your tires free of charge by contacting CMMCP at (508) 393-3055.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left out of doors. Drainage holes that are located on the sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to develop in.
• Clean clogged roof gutters on an annual basis, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters are easily overlooked but can produce many mosquitoes each season.
• Turn over plastic kiddie pools when not in use. A kiddie pool becomes a significant mosquito producer if it is not emptied on a regular basis.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in bird baths. Both provide breeding habitat for domestic mosquitoes.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family that goes on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may develop in the water that collects on swimming pool covers. Call CMMCP for assistance with abandoned swimming pools.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes will develop in any puddle that lasts more than 4 days.
• If you have wetlands in your area you may be tempted to put something in there to control mosquitoes, It is a violation of the wetlands protection act for anyone to alter a wetland in any way without approval from the local conservation commission. Please call our office if you have a wetland in your area. We are trained and allowed to use mosquito control products in these types of areas. This service is provided free of charge to residents of our member cities and towns.
• Often people use a tarp to cover items such as firewood or boats. Always keep the tarp tight and drain any water off the surface. Any depressions in the tarp can hold enough water to produce many mosquitoes each week.
• Boats can hold rainwater. Make sure the plug in the bottom of the boat is open so water can drain from it. Or better yet, put your boat in the garage or turn it over so it can't hold any water.
• Habitat management in your yard may be of benefit. While mosquitoes do not reproduce in tall grass or shrubs, any areas with shade may serve to harbor mosquitoes during the daytime. If you can keep grass cut short (4 in. or less), keep shrubs & trees trimmed, and keep low brush away from the areas you like to use in your yard, you may be able to minimize your exposure to mosquitoes. Sun and wind will help to keep large numbers of mosquitoes away from your area.
• If you have mosquitoes inside your house, check your window screens to make sure there are no holes in them. Even small holes can allow a mosquito to enter the house.

If residents are aware of large artificial water-holding containers such as an un-maintained swimming pool, concrete structures that may be producing mosquitoes, or any areas of stagnant water, they can contact CMMCP by telephone at (508) 393-3055. A Field Technician will be assigned to investigate the area, and if necessary, treat the site to prevent emergence.