Dengue Prevention at Home: A Weekly Routine for Bangalore Families

Dengue is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which breed in small amounts of clean water in and around homes. That makes prevention very much a household job: if you remove their breeding sites, you break the chain. A simple weekly routine can make a real difference.

This guide is general health information, not medical advice. If you or a family member has symptoms, see a doctor.

The short answer

To prevent dengue at home, make a weekly routine of emptying, scrubbing and drying water containers, covering water storage tightly, clearing plant saucers, coolers and AC trays, removing discarded items that collect rain, and protecting yourself from daytime bites with repellents, screens and suitable clothing. Aedes mosquitoes bite mainly in the daytime and their eggs stick to container walls, so scrubbing, not just emptying, is important. Involve the whole family and neighbours, and see a doctor promptly if fever and other symptoms appear.

Weekly checklist

1. Water storage: Empty and scrub drums, buckets and containers used for water, and keep them tightly covered.
2. Coolers and AC trays: Empty, scrub and dry air cooler tanks and AC and fridge trays.
3. Plant saucers and vases: Empty and scrub saucers, and change water in vases and water-grown plants.
4. Balconies and terraces: Check for puddles, blocked drains and water collected in covers and containers.
5. Bathrooms: Cover buckets and check floor traps and leaks.
6. Discarded items: Remove or cover tyres, coconut shells, cans, bottle caps and broken pots.
7. Gutters and drains: Clear blockages.
8. Pet water bowls and bird baths: Change water and scrub.

Protect yourself from bites

• Use screens on windows and doors, and keep them in good repair.
• Use repellents suitable for the person, as directed.
• Wear long sleeves and trousers where practical, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
• Use fans, and bed nets for infants and for daytime naps.

Involve everyone

• Make the weekly check a family routine, perhaps on a fixed day.
• Talk to neighbours and the society about common areas.
• Report stagnant water and blocked drains in public areas.

Know the symptoms

Dengue can cause sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and rash. See a doctor promptly if these occur, and do not self-medicate. Seek urgent care for warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, drowsiness or breathing difficulty.

During illness

A patient with fever should be protected from further mosquito bites with a net, as mosquitoes biting an infected person can spread the virus to others. Follow your doctor's advice.

Fogging and control

Fogging gives temporary relief but does not replace source removal. Larvicide treatment of water that cannot be emptied can help, as advised by professionals.

When to call a professional

If your area has dengue cases or heavy mosquito breeding, a professional can survey your property and treat breeding sites.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I empty water containers?

At least weekly.

Why scrub and not just empty?

Aedes eggs stick to the sides and hatch when refilled.

Is a bed net enough?

Not on its own, since Aedes bite in the day.

Is there a vaccine?

Ask your doctor about current availability and advice.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on mosquito control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full mosquito control guide for Bangalore.