Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Only female mosquitoes bite, according to Pitts. The females' persistent search for blood brings them into houses and yards, where they may become annoying pests. Many mosquito problems can be traced to containers of water around the yard, such as children's toys, pots and cans, tire swings, animal tracks and clogged rain gutters. Neighborhood breeding areas can include construction sites, trash dumps and cemetery urns or planters.
Most mosquitoes remain within a half-mile of where they hatched, but some can fly many miles.
During warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that stands for more than four days. A thin layer of oil will kill mosquitoes already present. Pitts says mosquitoes should be excluded from buildings by keeping windows, doors and porches tightly screened. Avoid spraying around food, dishes or eating utensils. When going outdoors for an extended period of time, insect repellents can provide protection from mosquito bites.