Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when mosquitoes are active.
- Use extra caution at dawn and dusk.
- Follow the product label when applying repellent.
Protect Your Home
- Repair holes in window and door screens.
- Keep doors closed when mosquitoes are active.
- Use air conditioning when possible.
- Remove mosquito resting areas by trimming tall grass and weeds near the home.
Reduce Standing Water
Mosquitoes need water to develop. Some mosquitoes can grow in very small amounts of standing water, including containers, toys, tires, buckets, tarps, and clogged gutters.
Dump or Drain
- Buckets, barrels, and flowerpots
- Wheelbarrows and yard equipment
- Toys, tarps, and outdoor containers
- Low spots where water collects
Clean or Refresh
- Bird baths
- Pet water bowls
- Wading pools
- Stock tanks and water troughs
Cover or Store
- Boats, trailers, and equipment
- Rain barrels and cisterns
- Stored tires
- Items that collect rainwater
Maintain
- Gutters and downspouts
- Swimming pools and covers
- Ornamental ponds
- Ditches and drainage areas
Quick Prevention Reminders
- Dump standing water every week. Check containers, outdoor equipment, gutters, tarps, and low areas after rain or irrigation.
- Protect exposed skin. Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing when mosquitoes are active.
- Keep mosquitoes outside. Repair screens, close doors, and reduce shaded resting areas near your home.
- Report persistent standing water. If water cannot be drained or removed, contact Mosquito Control for guidance.
Use Repellent Safely
Choose an EPA-registered insect repellent and follow the label directions. Products may contain ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone.
Do not apply repellent under clothing. When using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
Protect Children from Mosquito Bites
Repellent Tips
- Follow the product label for age restrictions.
- Adults should apply repellent to children.
- Do not apply repellent to a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin.
- Spray repellent onto your hands first, then apply it to a child’s face.
Clothing and Gear
- Dress children in long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are active.
- Use mosquito netting over strollers or baby carriers when needed.
- Check outdoor play areas for standing water after rain or irrigation.
Help Your Neighborhood
Mosquito prevention works best when neighbors take the same basic steps. Share reminders about dumping standing water, checking screens, and using bite prevention during mosquito season.
Education and Presentations
Public education and awareness are important parts of a successful mosquito control program. Flathead County Mosquito Control keeps residents informed through this website, local print media, press releases, and seasonal public updates.
Presentations about mosquito control in Flathead County are available by request for K–12 school classes and civic organizations.
Request a Presentation: 406-751-8145
Educational Resources
Related Information
Learn more about mosquito control, mosquito biology, and mosquito-borne disease prevention.
Learn How Mosquito Control Works Learn About Mosquito Biology Learn About Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquito Control
Alex Carlon
(406) 751-8145
Mosquito Control
David Nixon
406-751-8140