Mike Beebe, director of Quincy's Central Services Department, suggests property owners take the following steps to help prevent mosquitoes from becoming a nuisance:

* Get rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles and any water-holding containers.

* Fill in or drain any low places, such as puddles or ruts, in one's yard.

* Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of weeds and trash so water will drain properly. Gutters on buildings should also be cleaned to eliminate standing water.

* Cover or repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.

* Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store them indoors when not in use.

* Make sure backyard pools are properly cared for while on vacation.

* Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water with sand or concrete.

* Change the water in birdbaths and plant pots or drip trays at least once each week.

* Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes can't hide there.