Knox County Tennessee

Mosquito-Transmitted Disease Prevention

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Mosquitoes can be more than a nuisance; they can carry diseases.

Fight the bite and prevent mosquito bites and breeding by dumping standing water, wearing protective clothing and applying recommended repellent.



Preventing Mosquito Bites

Prevent Bites with the "4 D's"

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DRAIN | Mosquitoes breed in water! Drain any standing water in your yard. Bird baths, clogged gutters and kiddie pools are common breeding sites.

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DRESS | Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors. Spray clothing with insect repellent, since mosquitoes can bite through clothing.

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DEET | Whenever you are outside, use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. Use an approved repellent according to its label.

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DAWN/DUSK | Limit time spent outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are most active and feeding.

Prevention – Eliminating Breeding Grounds

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Eliminating mosquito breeding areas is an important factor in controlling the mosquito population. We urge you to reduce breeding sites around your home by taking these essential steps:

  • Dispose of, regularly empty, or turn over any water holding containers on your property such as tires, cans, flower pots or trash cans
  • Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors
  • Clear out gutters to avoid pooling water
  • Change the water in birdbaths twice a week
  • Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use
  • Keep swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs clean and properly chlorinated
  • Remove standing water from pool covers
  • Keep grass cut short and trim shrubs to eliminate hiding places for adult mosquitoes
  • Fill in hollow tree stumps and rot holes with sand or concrete


Have Questions?
Call: 865-215-5555
Email: health@knoxcounty.org


On the first Wednesday of each month (excluding August), KCHD will open at 11 a.m. due to monthly in-service. The 2024 in-service dates include Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4.