MetroWest Homeowner Field Guide: Mosquito and Tick Property Risk Walkthrough

Zone 1: Standing water

• Buckets
• Planters
• Saucers
• Birdbaths
• Gutters
• Tarps
• Toys
• Pools
• Tires
• Wheelbarrows
• Trash lids
• Tree holes
• Drainage areas

For each item, record whether water remains for several days, whether the container refills after rain, and whether it can be emptied, covered, stored, or maintained.

Zone 2: Shaded mosquito resting areas

• Under decks
• Under patio furniture
• Dense shrubs
• Tall groundcover
• Garage or carport edges
• Damp shaded corners
• Undersides of vegetation

Zone 3: Tick encounter areas

• Leaf litter
• Tall grass
• Brush
• Wooded edges
• Stone walls
• Wood piles
• Groundcover
• Pet routes
• Wildlife paths

Zone 4: High-use areas

• Patio
• Play area
• Pool
• Garden
• Dog run
• Walking path
• Outdoor dining area
• Property entrance

Zone 5: Record activity

• Date
• Time
• Weather
• Location
• Mosquito activity
• Tick observed
• Tick found on person or pet
• Recent yard changes
• Nearby wetland or wooded area

When professional evaluation may help

• Repeated mosquito activity in high-use zones
• Frequent tick encounters
• Large or complex property
• Extensive wooded edges
• Drainage concerns
• Uncertain breeding sources
• Seasonal activity affecting normal use of the yard

Public health reminder

Use current CDC and Massachusetts public-health recommendations for repellents, clothing, tick checks, prompt tick removal, and local mosquito-risk information. This guide does not provide medical advice.