Citizens are encouraged to eliminate standing water on their property. Empty, remove, cover or turn upside down anything that could hold water. Discard old tires or store them inside. Repair leaky plumbing and outside faucets. Mosquitoes develop only in water and water standing for just a few days can produce a crop of mosquitoes.
Staff first makes a survey by using a dipper along the edges of the water.
When larvae are found, and they can't be eliminated in other ways, the technician may decide to treat the water with a chemical that is designed to kill larvae with the least harm to other target organisms or to the environment. Adding mosquito eating fish is sometimes successful. A lightweight mineral oil used in the water at other times causes little harm and dissipates rapidly. The latter products have been chosen because they offer specific biological control of mosquito larvae. The chemical control of adult mosquitoes worldwide has contributed significantly to improved human health and comfort, resulted in economic benefits and is considered an integral part of a successful management program.