Enjoy the outdoors and keep your yard mosquito-free

Now that the weather is warmer and the days are longer, it's hard to stay indoors.

As much as we love being outside, nothing can spoil a perfect day like a yard full of mosquitoes. Take a proactive approach and protect yourself and property from the potentially serious diseases that mosquitoes carry.

Here are some simple tips to reduce the number of uninvited mosquitoes joining you in the freedom of your yard.

• Eliminate unnecessary standing water. Remember to drain and cover and discard any objects that may hold water and attract egg-laying mosquitoes including pots, pans, kiddie pools, tree stumps (fill with mortar) and rain gutters. Cover boats with secure tarps
• Refresh water. Change pet water dishes and bird baths at least once a week to disrupt the mosquito life cycle
• Create a barrier to your home. Install screens for windows, doors and outdoor patios
• Cover up. Wear long-sleeves, pants, socks and shoes. Consider using mosquito netting to cover the bedding of children younger than two months
• Treat bromeliads. Bromeliads hold water and create an ideal environment for mosquito breeding. Prevent the larvae from breathing by adding a few drops of vegetable oil or a spritz of non-stick cooking spray in the center of each plant

If you are experiencing significant mosquito problems, there are three ways you can report it:

• Call 311
• Submit a Service Request
• Download the 311 Direct mobile application