Hot, Dry Weeks and Stored Water: Keeping Tanks and Buckets Pest-Free

During water shortages, people store water in containers, which can breed mosquitoes.

Cover and clean regularly.

The short answer

Cover all stored water tightly with lids or fine mesh, clean tanks and containers regularly, change water in small containers weekly, and avoid leaving open buckets. Check for larvae, which look like wriggling specks, and call a professional for large tank issues.

Practices

1. Use tight lids or mesh.
2. Clean tanks on a regular schedule.
3. Empty and scrub small containers weekly.
4. Avoid open water in balconies and terraces.
5. Check for larvae.

Why

Mosquitoes can breed in a bottle cap of water. Stored water is a prime site.

When to call a professional

If the problem is widespread, keeps returning or you are unsure what you are dealing with, a professional inspection will save time and avoid wasted effort.

Frequently asked questions

How often to clean tanks?

Regularly, as local advice suggests.

Is mesh enough?

Fine mesh works if intact.

What about drinking water?

Keep it covered and clean.

Do fish help?

Ask a professional.

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