They can, if they hold water. The cauldron by the door, a pumpkin that's starting to sag, plastic sheeting over the graveyard scene: after rain or a round of sprinklers, any of them can hold enough water for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Dump the water and the display can stay.
Walk the display before the weekend
Before Halloween weekend, walk from the sidewalk to the porch and look at your setup the way you'd look at the rest of the yard. Once something becomes part of the scene, it's easy to stop seeing it.
Quick yard check — what to look at
- Cauldrons, witch's pots and anything designed to look like it holds liquid
- Carved pumpkins once they start to collapse — the cavity and the folds
- Hollow bases or trays that collect water underneath props
- Folds in waterproof covers or plastic sheeting
- Candy buckets and pails staged by the door
- Any lid, tray or prop sitting hollow side up
- The wheelbarrow or bin you used to carry it all out
Dump any water you find. Scrub containers where you can, flip unused ones upside down and pull covers tight so they don't sag. Check the plant saucers, toys and buckets nearby while you're at it.
In warm weather, a mosquito can go from egg to adult in about five to seven days. If your display has been up for a week, today's a good day to look. Check again each week and after rain or watering. When it all comes down, empty and dry everything before it goes into storage.
Before you head out
Trick-or-treating and handing out candy on the porch can run right into dusk, when the mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus become more active.
Use an EPA-registered repellent and follow the label. For kids, keep it off hands, eyes and mouth — put it on your own hands first before applying to their face.
Pick costumes with long sleeves and pants when you can. It's an easy night to be covered up.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a plant-derived option but shouldn't be used on children under three. Check product age directions.
Dump the water and pack the repellent. Happy Halloween from all of us at the District.
Still seeing mosquitoes?
If mosquitoes are a problem at your place or there's standing water you can't address, request free service from a District technician.