The Valley just experienced one of its coolest and wettest winters on record. As warmer weather greets Metro Phoenix, so will mosquitoes – who could be particularly pesky this summer.

DEEPER DIVE: 3 summer bugs to be on the lookout for in Arizona

Mosquitoes require water to breed. Adult mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water. They also lay eggs on moist soil or leaf litter in areas likely to collect water. By eliminating these water sources, you can keep new generations of mosquitoes from taking up residence in your yard.

Tips to tackle mosquitoes in Metro Phoenix

Here are some tips to prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your Phoenix home:

  • Drill holes in the bottom, not the sides, of any garbage or recycling containers stored outdoors. Holes on the sides still allow enough water to accumulate in the bottom for mosquitoes to breed.
  • Keep gutters clean and unclogged. Be sure your downspouts drain properly, without leaving puddles in the drainage area. You may need to reroute your downspouts or add extensions to carry water away.
  • Keep swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated, even when not in use. Homeowners who go on vacation without chlorinating their pools may return to a veritable mosquito hatchery.
  • Walk your property after a rain, and look for areas in the landscape that are not draining well. If you find puddles that remain for four or more days, regrade the area.
  • Ornamental ponds should be aerated to keep water moving and discourage mosquitoes from laying eggs. Alternately, stock the pond with mosquito-eating fish.
  • Dump anything that holds water twice per week if it has rained. Birdbaths, non-chlorinated wading pools, footbaths, garbage can lids, and pottery will all attract breeding mosquitoes. Remember to empty the saucers under your flower pots, and don’t leave water in pet bowls for more than two days.
  • Keep your property clean of items that can hold water, including discarded aluminum cans and tires.

A professional pest control company such as CimeX Control Pest Management offers an array of safe and effective procedures and products to protect against mosquitoes. They include:

Fernando Torres is the owner of CimeX Control Pest Management.

Mosquito misting with OneGuard Multi MoA: This concentrate combines the power of a knockdown agent, long-lasting insecticide, synergist and IGR in one single product with controlled-release technology. The result is highly effective knockdown, kill and long-lasting control of mosquitoes and listed flying and crawling pests. We recommend monthly service during summer months

INZECTO: This product is backed by science utilizing the proper combination of pesticides to eliminate the insect, the proven materials to repel it, and the chemistry and material science to deliver active chemicals (pesticides or repellants) with a long-lasting effect.

Mosquito Dunks®: The is the only product with BTI, a bacteria toxic only to mosquito larvae, that lasts 30 days and treats 100 square feet of surface water. It is non-toxic to all other wildlife, pets, fish, and humans. Simply apply Mosquito Dunks® to any standing water, or water garden.

Mosquitoes transmitting malaria kill 2 million to 3 million people and infect another 200 million or more every year. Tens of millions more are killed and debilitated by a host of other mosquito-borne diseases, including filariasis, yellow fever, dengue and encephalitis, and West Nile Virus.

Now is the time to prepare for the perfect swarm coming this summer.

 Author: Fernando Torres is the owner of CimeX Control Pest Management. For more information call (480) 364-7499 or visit cimexcontrol.com.