Town Mosquito Control

To control mosquitos, the Town of Little Elm uses a larvicide in tablet form in mosquito-prone areas. Larvicides specifically target mosquito larvae before they emerge as adults, which can reduce or eliminate the need for the application of pesticides that kill adult mosquitoes. 

Two most common types of larvicides typically used are microbial and biochemical. Microbial larvicides utilize bacterial spores that are toxic to mosquito larvae. Methoprene is a biochemical larvicide containing an insect growth regulator that interferes with mosquito larval development. In addition to using larvicides, the Town will spray in targeted areas as needed.

These larvicides are applied through control rings or dunks placed by the Public Works Department in all of the storm debris separators that are holding water. These rings are completely non-toxic to animals such as fish, birds, wildlife, and pets and will last up to 30 days in standing water. Killing mosquito larvae at the source is a smart and effective pest control method.

The Town of Little Elm also performs fogging in targeted areas as needed. Fogging targets only adult mosquitoes.

Eliminating Habitat 

You can reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood by eliminating places where they lay their eggs with these tips:
  • Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property. Don't overlook containers that have become overgrown by vegetation.
  • Clean up any solid waste and scrap tires on your property. Stagnant water in discarded tires is an ideal site for mosquitoes to breed.
  • Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
  • Clean birdbaths weekly.
  • Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors and in tires used for swings, barriers, running exercises, etc., so they won't hold water.
  • Clean clogged roof gutters every year. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
  • Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. Mosquitoes can even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool and hot tub covers.
  • Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes will develop in any puddle that lasts for more than four days.
  • Children's toys and tarps covering wood, cars, boats, and other equipment can also hold water and breed disease-carrying mosquitoes.