If not currently flooded, drain any standing water left in your yard by Hurricane Harvey so mosquitoes have less of a chance to multiply and spread viruses such as Zika or West Nile.
Protect Yourself.
- Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts while outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn.
- Use insect repellent that contains DEET.
- Children should use insect repellents that contain less than 10 percent DEET.
- Do not apply DEET on babies.
- Adults should use insect repellents that contain more than 10 percent DEET.
Keep the storm sewers clean to reduce mosquito breeding.
- Sweep up lawn clippings, leaves and limbs from sidewalks, driveways, curbs and gutters.
- Don’t let lawn water or car washing water enter the street.
- Pick up litter and other debris from your yard and the street.
Keep the mosquitoes out of your house.
- Keep doors and windows closed.
- Seal cracks and gaps in the house.
- If mosquitoes are in the house, use flying insect spray, following label instructions.
Other actions to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Empty, remove or dispose of anything in the yard that can hold water: flower pot saucers, cans, toys, litter, rain barrels, plastic sheeting, etc.
- Pet water bowls and birdbaths should be emptied and refilled at least twice a week.
- Keep the rain gutters on you house clean and properly draining.
- Repair household water leaks, move air conditioner drain hose frequently.
- Report water and sewer main leaks and breaks to 311.
For more information: HoustonHealth.org