How To Prevent Mosquito Bites

The public is advised to take the following precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites and mosquito transmitted diseases:

1. Eliminate standing water from their property to reduce mosquito breeding, including water in buckets, barrels, old tires, children’s toys, ornamental ponds, and neglected swimming pools.
2. Make sure exterior doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Screens should be replaced if they are torn or have holes.
3. Limit outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk.
4. When outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
5. Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, according to label instructions.

Water troughs, barrels, and other similar water containers provide excellent mosquito breeding sources.  If possible, water in these containers should be drained and replaced on a weekly basis.  If water cannot be drained, mosquito fish can be used to control mosquito breeding. Mosquito-eating fish are available from the County at no charge to residents for use in ornamental ponds and similar water features.  To order fish, please call 805/662-6582.
Ventura County Environmental Health Division vector control technicians routinely monitor potential mosquito breeding sources in or near urban areas and implement control measures when evidence of mosquito breeding is observed. 
To report potential mosquito breeding sources in Ventura County (except in the City of Moorpark) created from improperly maintained swimming pools and other similar water impoundments located on private property; please call the mosquito complaint HOTLINE at 805/658-4310.