1. Eliminate Standing Water

This is the most effective step. Mosquitos breed in stagnant water—birdbaths, flowerpot trays, kiddie pools, buckets. If it’s holding water, dump it. Weekly.

2. Use Mosquito Dunks

Drop one in any water you can’t dump (like rain barrels or decorative ponds). They’re safe for pets and wildlife but lethal to mosquito larvae. The City of Victoria offers them free—one per household—at Riverside Park.

3. Turn on a Fan

Believe it or not, a simple box fan can drastically reduce mosquito activity. They’re poor fliers, and consistent airflow makes it harder for them to land and bite.

4. Trim Your Yard

Keep your grass short and shrubbery well-maintained. Mosquitos love shady, overgrown areas where they can hide during the day.

5. Burn Used Coffee Grounds

It sounds odd, but burning dry coffee grounds in a fire-safe dish is said to repel mosquitos. Several sources back it—and it’s an inexpensive, chemical-free option.

6. Wear Lighter Clothing

Darker colors attract mosquitos more than lighter ones. Switching to light-colored clothing during mosquito-heavy hours can actually reduce bites.

It doesn’t take much to make a big difference. Tackle even two or three of these today, and you’ll start seeing results fast. The mosquitos aren’t going anywhere—but you can make your space a lot less inviting.

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