Stop Mosquito Breeding Around Your Home and Housing Society

Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. They are carriers of dengue, malaria, chikungunya, Zika virus, yellow fever and filariasis, and the problem is at its worst during and just after the monsoon, when water collects in every corner of a building.

The most important thing to understand is that mosquitoes breed in standing water. Control the water and you control the mosquitoes. Spraying adults helps, but it only works for as long as new ones are not being born next door.

Common breeding spots around the home

• Flower pots and their saucers
• AC drip trays and refrigerator trays
• Buckets, barrels and uncovered water storage
• Water tanks that are not tightly closed
• Blocked drains, gutters and terrace drainage points
• Discarded containers, plastic cups and old tyres
• Rooftops and shaded corners where rain collects

What housing societies and offices should check

• Underground and overhead water tanks - are the lids intact and sealed?
• Basements and parking areas with seepage or pooled water
• Construction sites and open plots next to the building
• Garden areas, decorative water features and drains
• Terrace and podium drainage, which often blocks with leaves and silt

A simple weekly routine

• Empty and scrub any container that holds water every three to five days.
• Keep water tanks and drums covered.
• Clear gutters, terrace drains and AC trays.
• Keep surroundings dry and clean.
• Use mosquito nets or window screens, and repellents or electric traps indoors.

Why fogging alone is not enough

Fogging kills the adult mosquitoes that are flying at that moment. It does nothing about the larvae growing in standing water, so numbers bounce back in days. Effective control treats every stage of the life cycle.

How a professional mosquito treatment works

• Inspection - identifying breeding sites and high-risk zones around the premises.
• Larvicidal treatment - applying larvicide to stagnant water to stop development at the larva stage.
• Fogging or mist blowing - ULV or thermal fogging in outdoor areas to kill adult mosquitoes on contact.
• Residual spray - long-lasting spray on resting areas such as walls, curtains, dark corners and behind furniture.
• Preventive recommendations - advice on hygiene and water management to keep the area mosquito-free.

Physical barriers help too

Mosquito nets and screens stop insects from coming indoors in the first place while still allowing light and airflow. Sliding mosquito nets work well on balcony doors, French windows and large openings.

When to see a doctor

If anyone in the household develops a sudden high fever, severe headache, body pain or rash, see a doctor promptly rather than waiting. Pest control reduces the risk but is not a substitute for medical care.

SSD provides mosquito control for homes, housing societies, offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, construction sites and farmhouses, using government-approved chemicals, with one-time and annual maintenance options.