Wash your hands before preparing food to avoid introducing bacteria. Heavy rains provide plenty of standing water that makes a perfect breeding ground for annoying mosquitoes in your yard and neighborhood. You can take the bite out of mosquitoes by eliminating standing water on your property. In addition to larviciding and spraying for adult mosquitoes, the Health Department conducts sampling to monitor the mosquito population for disease. Mosquitoes are capable of transmitting a number of serious illnesses to humans, including encephalitis, malaria and dengue fever.
Mosquitoes also can transmit heartworms to dogs.
In Austin, the rodent and vector control program will respond to calls for information and is available to assist in identifying problems and appropriate control measures through inspections. Within the City of Austin limits, mosquito spraying is limited to public park areas. You can reach the rodent and vector control program by calling 469-2015. These donuts prevent mosquito eggs from developing. If you have stagnant water in a creek behind your house, putting donuts in the water can help control mosquitoes.