Category Cleaning, Mosquito & Algae

Keep mosquitoes out of a rain barrel with a tight lid, fine screens on every opening, maintained overflow, no nearby puddles, and approved larval control if needed.

Do not add kerosene to a rain barrel; it contaminates water and creates health, fire, and environmental risks. Use exclusion and approved controls.

Mosquitoes use accessible standing water for breeding, so an open or poorly screened rain barrel can attract egg-laying females. Learn how to block every entry.

Control rain-barrel mosquito larvae by emptying and cleaning or using a labeled larvicide suited to the water's intended use. Keep openings screened.

Clean a rainwater tank with safe isolation, controlled draining, sludge removal, surface cleaning, rinsing, disinfection when appropriate, and water-quality checks.