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Invasive Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes Have Been Detected Again in the County

For more information on this invasive mosquito visit our Aedes aegypti informational page. For scheduled treatments regarding this mosquito, visit Wide Area Larvicide Spraying page.

 

Removing Aedes Mosquito Eggs

Aedes aegypti mosquito eggs are tough and can survive without water for a very long time. They will hatch when they get wet, and the weather is just right. These mosquitoes usually lay their eggs in containers like buckets, flowerpots, plates under plants, toys, and pet bowls. 

Scrubbing containers is the best way to remove Aedes mosquito eggs. You can try one of these practices below:

  1. Scrubbing with a cleaning tool alone
  2. Scrubbing with a dish soap solution
  3. Scrubbing with a household bleach solution

Option 1: Scrubbing With a Cleaning Tool Alone

Materials needed:

Scrubbing tool of choice:

  • Brush  
  • Sponge
  • Rag

How to Scrub with Cleaning Tool Only

  • Step 1: Thoroughly scrub inside of container from top to bottom.
  • Step 2: After scrubbing, turn the item upside down and leave it in the sun for 24 hours.
  • Step 3: If you won't be using the items again, make sure to store them in a dry place.
  • Step 4: When you are done scrubbing, clean tool with a sanitizing solution of your choice (like bleach, dish soap, etc.) to remove any eggs left on cleaning tool.
  • Step 5: Store cleaning tool in a dry place.
  • Step 6: Check your yard for areas or items that can collect water at least once a week and dump out any water found.

Option 2: Scrubbing with Dish Soap or Bleach

Materials needed:
  • Goggles
  • Gloves
  • Scrubbing tool of choice - a sponge, rag, or brush
  • A container of your choice to pour your cleaning solution
  • Dish soap OR household bleach
  • Clothes you don't mind getting dirty

Preparing Cleaning Solution

There are two cleaning solutions you can use to clean containers with - hot water mixed with dish soap OR household bleach. Below are detailed steps of how to prepare each solution.

Preparing Hot Soapy Water Solution

Step 1: In the container you choose, add about a teaspoon of dish soap to hot water and stir until it’s fully mixed.

Preparing Bleach Solution

Step 1: Use clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Remember bleach can stain clothes.

Step 2: Put on goggles for eye protection.

Step 3: Put on gloves for skin protection.

Step 4: For proper cleaning dilutions, follow the instructions on the label.

Step 5: In your container of choice, pour enough bleach for you to be able to dip your scrubbing tool into.

Prepare to Remove Eggs

Image of some one scrubbing a bucket to remove mosquito eggs. Subject is wearing googles and gloves for personal protection.

Step 1: Dip your scrubbing tool into the cleaning solution you've prepared.

Step 2: Scrub the inside and outside of the containers carefully, dipping your scrubbing tool back into the cleaning solution whenever you need more.

Step 3: After scrubbing, turn the item upside down and leave it in the sun for 24 hours. Thoroughly rinse containers before using them again.

Note: Dispose of any excess solution following the instructions on the product label. Free household hazardous waste drop-off appointments are available through County of Santa Clara Household Hazardous Waste Program.

Step 4: If you won't be using the items again, make sure to store them in a dry place.

Step 5: Check your yard for areas or items that can collect water at least once a week and dump out any water found.

Step 6: When you are done scrubbing, clean tool with a sanitizing solution of your choice (like bleach, dish soap, etc.) to remove any eggs left on cleaning tool.

Step 7: Store cleaning tool in a dry place.

Scrub items as often as you can throughout the year to keep them clean and free of water.