Time Frame

• Since 1999 when the initial outbreak began, the Environmental Protection Agency shows a marked increase in the number of West Nile cases. In order to keep bird baths larvae-free, start prevention immediately after placing. Mosquito larvae hatch out in as little as 48 hours after the emergence of adults, so it's necessary to act quickly.
  
  

Types

• Prevent larvae by changing the water in the bird bath every week and by eliminating breeding sites such as water-filled buckets, children's wading pools and pets' water dishes. Keep garbage cans covered to prevent collection of rain, and clean gutters. Make the yard welcome to frogs, dragonflies and birds, which eat mosquitoes.
  
  

Benefits

• Benefits of bird bath larvae prevention include not only fewer mosquitoes in your yard, but a cleaner bird bath, which will attract more birds. Less mosquito protection will be necessary when enjoying the outdoors.