Mosquitoes don’t respect fences—they fly freely from yard to yard, spreading disease across Orange County. That’s why eliminating standing water on your property isn’t enough—we all need to pitch in. Help protect your community: dump and drain any standing water you find.
The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) works year-round to stop mosquitoes from breeding and biting, while educating the public and controlling the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Fast Facts
- Mosquitoes need water to breed—just five to seven days is enough to complete their life cycle.
- Most mosquitoes come from small backyard sources: birdbaths, buckets, bromeliads, plant saucers—even a bottle cap.
- Only female mosquitoes bite, and their bites can transmit diseases to people and pets.
- Adult mosquitoes rest in grass and shrubs but don’t breed there.
Know Your OC Mosquitoes
Culex (southern house mosquito):
- Breeds in gutters, ponds, and green pools
- Active at dusk and dawn
- Spreads West Nile virus and encephalitis
Aedes (Asian tiger/ankle-biter):
- Breeds in small containers like plant saucers and buckets
- Eggs survive dry conditions for years
- Bites aggressively during the day
- Can transmit Zika, dengue, yellow fever and dog heartworm
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
- Keep doors and windows screened and in good repair.
- Dump water from plant saucers and containers regularly.
- Scrub birdbaths and pet bowls weekly.
- Store empty containers upside down or covered.
Protect Yourself Outdoors
- Use EPA-registered repellents with DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants and light-colored clothing.
For more tips, local mosquito updates and how to become a neighborhood advocate, visit ocvector.org.
For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.
