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Drain and Cover To Stop Mosquitoes From Feeding and Breeding Near Your Home Or Place of Business

June 07, 2018

Pensacola, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) encourages everyone to prevent the spread of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses.


Mosquitoes are known carriers of West Nile Virus and other disease-causing viruses. While the
Escambia County Mosquito Control Division and FDOH-Escambia engage in surveillance and prevention efforts, residents and visitors should also take proper precautions to reduce mosquito breeding and prevent mosquito bites. To protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes, you should “Drain and Cover.”

Drain standing water

  • Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
  • Discard old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances and other items not being used.
  • Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least twice a week.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and keep them properly chlorinated; empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Cover skin with clothing or repellent

  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves when mosquitoes are most prevalent.
  • Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
  • Always use repellents according to the label. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    registered repellents with 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection.
  • Re-apply mosquito repellent as often as needed to prevent mosquito landings and bites.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
  • Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s
    skin and clothing. Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children.

Cover doors and windows

  • Place screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
  • Repair broken screens.
  • Keep unscreened windows and doors closed.


For more information, visit www.EscambiaHealth.com.


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About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.