Removing standing water from coolers and containers stops mosquitoes that spread dengue from breeding.

fact_checkWhat experts say

• infoDengue mosquitoes lay their eggs on the inner walls of containers that hold water, such as coolers, bottles, tyres, flower pots and water tanks, both inside and around homes.13
• infoMosquitoes need only a small amount of water to lay eggs.3
• infoRemoving these egg-laying places lowers the number of mosquitoes and reduces the spread of dengue.123
• infoEmptying the water alone is not enough, because the eggs stick to the container walls and can survive drying for months. Containers should be emptied, scrubbed and dried at least once a week.123
• infoDengue does not spread directly from person to person. An infected person can pass the virus to mosquitoes that bite them, and those mosquitoes then bite others.1

checklistWhat to do

• check_circleOnce a week, empty, scrub and dry coolers, water tanks, flower pot saucers, bottles and tyres, then cover them or throw them away.12
• check_circleKeep water storage containers tightly covered, or cover them with fine mesh so mosquitoes cannot get in to lay eggs.12
• check_circleProtect yourself from bites with full-sleeve clothes and mosquito repellent, and use mosquito nets and window screens.12
• check_circleWhen everyone in the neighbourhood does this together, mosquito numbers fall and dengue spread can slow down or stop.1

menu_bookSources

1. 1Dengue and severe denguewho.intopen_in_new
2. 2Mosquito Control at Homecdc.govopen_in_new
3. 3Life Cycle of Aedes Mosquitoescdc.govopen_in_new

Updated 15 Oct 2026