Everyone has had the unpleasant experience of being bitten by a mosquito. Although the likelihood of contracting a mosquito-borne disease is minimal, some species can transmit diseases to humans and animals.

Most mosquitoes are most active in temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, live and breed in stagnant water and do not travel more than 200 feet from their original breeding sites. Therefore, I would like to recommend some precautionary measures you can take to keep mosquitoes away from your home:

Remove all discarded tires from your property. Empty standing water in buckets, toys or similar water holding containers to reduce insect breeding areas. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors. Keep your rain gutters free of leaves and debris. Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when they are not in use. Change the water in birdbaths, fountains and potted plant trays at least once a week to prevent stagnation. Keep your swimming pool chlorinated and do not allow water to stagnate on its cover.

Further, ensure that all screens in windows and doors are in good condition to keep mosquitoes out of your home. Replace all outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights. Avoid using bug zappers in your backyard, as they also kill beneficial insects. When spending time outdoors, avoid areas with high mosquito populations, and wear hats, socks, long sleeves and long pants. Consider applying insect repellent to any areas of exposed skin.

By following these tips, your family should be able to reduce the mosquito population around your home.