Prattville's long, warm, humid season is ideal for mosquitoes. The Alabama Department of Public Health's advice starts in your own yard, because most of the mosquitoes biting you were probably born nearby. Here's a practical checklist. For yard treatment, see mosquito control, or browse our Prattville pest control services.
Why it matters
ADPH says West Nile virus is the most reported mosquito-borne disease in Alabama, mainly spread by Culex mosquitoes, and that eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis and La Crosse virus are also spread by mosquito bites. There's no vaccine or specific treatment for these diseases, so preventing bites is the main defense.
The weekly yard walk
- dump and drain flowerpots, saucers, buckets, tarps, tires and toys
- clean gutters so they don't hold water
- change water in pet dishes and birdbaths, and scrub containers weekly to remove eggs
- cover rain barrels with tight lids or fine mesh
- fill low spots where water collects after rain
Protecting yourself
- mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so that's when protection matters most
- use EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- wear long sleeves and pants outdoors
- repair window and door screens
When a professional program helps
If you've cleared standing water and mosquitoes still make the yard unusable, a seasonal program can treat the shady areas where adults rest and the spots water collects. It helps most for homes near creeks, ponds and woods, from Autauga Creek near Downtown Prattville to the Coosa River in Wetumpka.
After heavy rain
Prattville averages about 55.6 inches of precipitation a year, and every storm leaves new water behind. Walk the yard a day or two after heavy rain and dump anything that collected water, including tarps, wheelbarrows and clogged gutters, before eggs have time to develop.
Repellent tips
- follow the label for how much to use and how often to reapply
- if you use sunscreen too, put it on first and repellent second
- use repellent on exposed skin and clothing, not under clothing
- help children apply it, and follow age limits on the label