How To Take Back Your Yard

The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) is a single purpose drainage district and does not provide mosquito control services. However, homeowners can take proactive steps to prevent their backyards from becoming breeding grounds. Remember two key actions: drain and cover.

Drain:

– Remove water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where rainwater has collected.

– Discard unused items such as old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots, pans, broken appliances, and other debris that can hold water.

– Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls once or twice a week.

– Cover boats and vehicles with tarps that do not accumulate water.

– Maintain swimming pools in good condition and properly chlorinate them. Empty plastic pools when not in use.

– Clear vegetation or debris from drainage ditches to ensure water can flow freely.

Cover:

– Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.

– Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin and clothing following the manufacturer’s instructions.

– Install screens on doors and windows, as well as repair any tears or holes in existing screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

– Use mosquito netting to cover infants younger than 2 months old.

These actions can significantly reduce mosquito breeding opportunities and help protect against mosquito-borne illnesses. Residents can report mosquito activity and other helpful information at Palm Beach County Mosquito Control website https://discover.pbcgov.org/erm/pages/mosquito-control.aspx.