Collect Rainwater, not mosquitoes.
With the rainfall the North Bay experienced this past month we thought it was the perfect time to start talking about rainwater harvesting.
![rain barrel](https://streamline.imgix.net/3d157746-1a2e-4ba9-b26e-424857d4b72f/f4ca3b0e-b4ed-43ec-b0ba-0794e44c7e26/Rain-barrels.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=a49a4af0633edd6c326b836b7534248a)
Whether you have been collecting rainwater for years or have just started, we have some tips to help keep your water conservation systems mosquito-free.
Rain Barrels
There are a number of prefabricated rain barrels that can be purchased at home and garden stores that come mosquito-proofed. These barrels still need to be checked on a regular basis to make sure that they are properly screened and that their structural integrity has not been compromised.
- Use a rain barrel with a mosquito-proof screen (fine mesh–1/16th of an inch) under the lid and covering the overflow hole.
- Keep your rain barrel lid and all connectors in the system sealed.
- Place your barrel on a surface that will soak up or promptly drain water that has overflowed.
- Keep your barrel free of organic materials such as leaves and debris.
- Remove water that may have pooled on the top of the barrel at least once a week or use a barrel with a self-draining lid.
- Use a downspout diverter to direct water into the barrel.
- Regularly check the barrel and quickly repair damaged or worn screens, clogged openings, and loose fitting lids or caps.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris.
Large Water Tanks/Cisterns
- Cisterns (above and below ground) should be completely enclosed with no openings to the outside environment.
- Tightly seal cistern lids and connections.
- Cover all inlets, outlets, and vents with mosquito-proof screening (fine mesh -1/16 of an inch).
- Inspect on a regular basis to be sure there are no cracks or leaks and that all seals and fittings remain intact.
- The area surrounding cisterns should be designed to either divert or absorb excess water from overflow.
If you suspect an issue with mosquitoes, call our District for help at 707-285-2200.