Record-breaking heat continues to scald California, leading many of us to water our landscapes and gardens more. While the water is good for plants and helps us cool down, even the smallest amount of standing water mixed with high temperatures create an ideal climate for mosquito breeding. Use the following tips to help reduce mosquito habitats and protect yourself from bites avoid being bitten.

Tip #1: Mosquitoes need water for the larval stage of their life cycle. Eliminate breeding sites in your yard by:

• Draining any containers that hold standing water; even something as small as a flower pot saucer can harbor mosquitoes.
• Emptying out bird baths once per week.
• Protecting ponds by using...