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Homeowners can take the following steps to prevent mosquito breeding on their own property:

1. Destroy or dispose of cans, old tires, buckets, plastic sheeting or other containers that collect and hold water.
2. Do not allow water to accumulate at the base of flower pots or in pet dishes for more than 2 days.
3. Clean clogged roof gutters and drain flat roofs.
4. Check around faucets and air conditioner units and repair leaks or puddles that remain for several days.
5. Stock ornamental pools with fish.
6. Change water in birdbaths, fountains, and troughs twice a week.
7. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools; when not regularly used, they should be emptied.
8. Turn over unused wading pools and other containers that tend to collect rainwater.

Other important tips:

Repellants:

Mosquito activity is generally the highest around dusk and dawn. If you know you will be in areas of high mosquito activity use DEET based repellants, due to their good performance and safety record.

Insect repellants with DEET (N, N-diethylmetatoluamide) are very effective at keeping these pests away. While DEET doesn't actually repel mosquitoes it does "mask" us so mosquitoes can't find us. Higher concentrations don't work better, they just last longer. Children should use concentrations of 10 % or less. Adults can tolerate concentrations up to 30 percent. DEET should be sparingly applied -- no need to be generous as you would with sunblock. Put a little on your hands, rub them together and then rub your hands over your exposed skin or that of your child. DEET should be reapplied every few hours particularly if sweating. Although DEET is oily, consider rubbing it sparingly over lighter clothing to reduce the likelihood of bites through the clothes. Vitamins and Avon Skin-so-soft™ do not work reliably as mosquito repellants.

Bug Zappers:
They kill many insects, but do a very poor job of controlling mosquitoes.