Tips to Reduce Mosquito Bites Ahead of Severe Season
June 16, 2023
The City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department and the Bernalillo County Health Protection Section have recommendations for residents to help reduce mosquito breeding and prevent bites in anticipation of very high mosquito populations throughout the summer months.
“We see a lot of issues where people are unknowingly breeding mosquitoes,” said Nick Pederson, Urban Biology Manager at the City’s Environmental Health Department. “The best way to control the mosquito population is to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and this is something that everyone in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County plays a role in.”
To prevent mosquito breeding, residents should:
- Eliminate water-holding containers where mosquitoes lay their eggs, such as: old tires, discarded cans and trash, and pet dishes;
- After it rains, check for objects around your home that have collected water and dump out the water including children’s toys, flower pots, and wheel barrows;
- Regularly change the water in birdbaths;
- Maintain ponds and backyard swimming pools;
- Make sure rain barrels are fitted with a screen;
- When flood-irrigating, prevent water from standing for more than a few days.
“With the high level of river runoff, we’re already seeing, we anticipate a bad season for mosquitoes,” said Mark DiMenna, Environmental Health Deputy Director. “This is especially true in areas near the Bosque, but we encourage everyone to take steps to fight the bite this season.”
“Even living in a high desert, mosquitos are prevalent,” says Kellison Platero, Bernalillo County Health Protection Manager. “We must all do our part to remove mosquito breeding areas from our neighborhoods.”
The city and county suggest these tips for residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites:
- Avoid the outdoors at times and locations when mosquitoes are most active (dawn and dusk);
- Use insect repellent with a proven effective ingredient like DEET;
- Wear long, loose, light colored clothing when outdoors after dusk; and,
- Make sure your pets up to date on heartworm medication.
Residents in Albuquerque and throughout Bernalillo County can report mosquito breeding or request mosquito control by calling 311.
Learn more about mosquitoes in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County at cabq.gov/mosquitoes.