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Mosquito bites are more than an irritation—they can cause serious illnesses that sometimes turn fatal.
West Nile virus (WNV) is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through mosquito bites. While many people may not have any symptoms, others can become very ill and even die from the virus. In 2021, more than 1,400 cases were recorded in Maricopa County. 

We are working hard to keep mosquito populations from growing.
But the key to staying healthy is preventing mosquito bites – that’s where you can help!


REMEMBER THE FOUR Rs
TO FIGHT THE BITE

  1. REPEL mosquitos using EPA-registered insect repellent
  2. REMOVE standing water from your home and yard
  3. REPAIR or replace damaged window and door screens
  4. REMIND your family, friends and neighbors about mosquito safety

One mosquito. One bite. That's all it takes to change someone's life forever. 
Follow the four Rs to keep you and your loved ones safe.



    

WHAT YOU CAN DO

mosquito repellent

REPEL


Protecting yourself and others in your care is the first step to preventing West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases. Use insect repellent when you go outdoors, especially between dusk and dawn. Choose an EPA-registered repellent such as those with DEET, picardin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535,
Para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone and follow the directions and precautions on the product. Despite our hot weather, covering up with long-sleeve shirts, long pants and socks is also a good idea.

removeRemove & Repair

You can help prevent mosquitoes from breeding simply by depriving them of water, which they need to breed. Tip and toss even the smallest amounts of standing water from your home and yard. Plant pots, bird baths, kiddie pools, buckets and fountains are some of the places where
mosquitos can breed. View the backyard checklist and
see what Environmental Services is doing to keep your neighborhood safe.


Remind


Remind_1

Be a mosquito safety champion and help keep these simple tips for avoiding bites top of mind with your friends, family and neighbors. Follow us on social media for content you can easily share with friends, family, and neighbors.

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What We Do

Maricopa County Environmental Services
conducts year-round surveillance and abatement of mosquitos. Our Vector Control Division deploys more than 800 routine mosquito traps every week and we test for diseases, including West Nile virus.

  Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance Statistics
  See Mosquito Traps in Your Area


Maricopa County Department of Public Health
monitors human cases of mosquito-borne diseases and provides information for residents, travelers and health care providers.

  See Current Case Counts
Learn About West Nile Virus Symptoms
Get Answers to Frequently Asked Questions


How We Help Your Neighborhood

We are trapping and testing mosquitoes across Maricopa County to keep you safe.