Home And Garden Maintenance Checklist printable pdf download

home and garden maintenance checklist

West Nile virus is a disease that can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. The virus is carried long distances by infected

birds and then spread locally by mosquitoes that bite these birds. Drought conditions may make it worse since birds and

mosquitoes will share the same few watering holes, even in backyards. Mosquitoes need still water to lay their eggs, which

develop in 7 to 10 days. Eliminate standing water weekly to keep many mosquitoes from breeding in the first place.

It is very rare to catch the virus, and most infected people will not even get sick or will only experience mild flu-like symptoms.

However, West Nile virus can be fatal especially to people over 50 years of age. So protect yourself from mosquito bites before

doing any outdoor maintenance and while enjoying outdoor activities. Visit for more information.

Animals

Dogs and cats can become infected, but rarely

Lawn ornaments Should be checked for areas that hold water,

become ill and do not spread the virus. Keep

and drained or flushed weekly.

animal areas dry. Keep food and water bowls

Lighting

Check garden lights and eliminate water from

clean. A vaccine is available for horses.

tops of fixtures and from inside floodlights.

Birdbaths

Clean or hose out birdbaths weekly.

Playgrounds

Drill drainage holes in tire swings and

BTI

A natural bacteria that kills mosquito and fly

playground equipment that holds water.

larvae yet is non-toxic to animals when used

Ponds

Stock with mosquito eating fish. Use mosquito

properly. Kills larvae developing in water.

dunks or BTI in ponds and larger bodies of

(See dunks below.)

water. Follow instructions for safe use.

Building material Unused pipe should be kept inside or turned

Potted plants

Do not overwater plants. Empty saucers

over so that no water accumulates.

weekly or flush with garden hose. Drill small

Chainlink fence

Cover chainlink fence posts with metal or

drainage holes in outdoor saucers.

plastic caps since they are hollow pipes

Pools/Spas

Maintained pools and whirlpool spas are not a

Clothing

Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants when

hazard since pool chemicals and filters kill any

working around mosquito infested areas.

larvae. Use dunks in deserted pools and spas.

Containers

Cover containers or turn upside down so that

Rainbarrels

Cover tightly with screening.

they do not hold water including: ashtrays,

Raingutters

Keep gutters clear of debris. They can

boxes, buckets, cans, cups, jars and pots.

become breeding areas with standing water.

Dawn/Dusk

The times of day that biting mosquitoes are

Recycling bins

Cut top and bottom from tin cans and flatten.

most active since they avoid the heat of day.

Invert glass jars. Crush soft drink bottles and

Dead birds

Pick up dead birds with a shovel or gloves.

cans. Store newspapers on end, not flat. Drill

Double bag in plastic and dispose in trash.

drainange holes in bottom of recycling bin.

Dead birds should not be handled directly in

Screens

Install and maintain tight-fitting window and

order to avoid exposure to the virus. Wash

door screens.

your hands thoroughly afterwards.

Shrubbery

Trim and thin shrubs and bushy plants since

DEET

The active ingredient in insect repellent. A

they can be mosquito hiding areas.

10% concentration is recommended for kids.

Tool sheds

Keep shed roofs maintained and eliminate

Drains

Keep outdoor drains flowing freely.

water around foundation.

Dripping water

Fix leaky faucets, air conditioners and hoses.

Tires

Properly dispose of old tires. Drill drainage

Drought

Drought conditions may help spread the

holes in tires used in retaining walls and in

landscaping.

virus since birds and mosquitoes share the

Trash cans

Keep trash cans covered. Remove buckets

same few water sources, even in yards.

and containers from around trash areas.

Dumpsters

Keep dumpsters covered, and remove any

Trees

Eliminate water from dead tree stumps and

water inside and under dumpster.

hollow areas of live trees. Fill cavities with

Dunks

Dunks are donut-sized pellets that that kill

sand and flush weekly with a hose.

mosquito larvae but are non-toxic to animals.

Trash

Remove anything that can hold water

They dissolve slowly in water. Available at

including cans, cups, tin foil, plastic and paper

hardware and garden stores. (See BTI above.)

since mosquito larvae can grow.

Flat roofs

Inspect weekly to remove any puddles. Fix

Umbrellas

Table umbrella and basketball bases often are

leaks from air conditioners and pipes. Keep

filled with water. Cap tightly, seal with duct

raingutters clear of debris and flowing freely.

tape or fill with sand and cover tightly.

Irrigation

Do not overwater. Eliminate any areas of

Weeds

Remove weeds, especially around areas close

excess standing water weekly.

to water (by byrd at testsforge).

Landscaping

Remove plastic sheeting under bark or rock

Wheelbarrows

Store wheelbarrows vertically or turned over to

and replace with landscape fabric that

prevent water accumulation.

prevents weeds yet allows water through.

Home And Garden Maintenance Checklist

Related Articles

Related forms

Related Categories