Stagnant water is dark-green to black in color and its murky appearance comes from the bacteria and organic matter allowed to grow in the unattended water. Any water left unattended and untreated for several days can become a breeding ground for potentially dangerous, disease-transmitting mosquitoes.
Here are several ways you can prevent water from becoming stagnant:
- Clean out and refill water in bird baths and animal dishes at least once a week.
- Remove or turn over any empty plant containers.
- Maintain your swimming pools and spas using proper filtration and chlorination.
- Clean out animal troughs, rain gutters and eaves.
- Maintain vegetation to ensure proper drainage.
If you find stagnant water in small containers, turn them over and dump that water out. For larger sources that cannot be dumped or drained, such as swimming pools, please report them to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District so that they can ensure that public health risks do not arise.
To contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District call 562.944.9656 or visit their website.
Stagnant water is dark-green to black in color and its murky appearance comes from the bacteria and organic matter allowed to grow in the unattended water. Any water left unattended and untreated for several days can become a breeding ground for potentially dangerous, disease-transmitting mosquitoes.