Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) is a day to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride, and Mexico's victory at the Battle of Puebla. Summertime in Florida includes May, which is the lead-in to prime time for mosquito activity, especially at dusk and dawn. As you participate in outdoor festivities and celebrations this summer, don't let mosquitoes get the best of you; remember these five easy tips to win your battle against these pests. It all begins with “Drain and Cover!”

1. DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying. Water should be drained from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where water has collected.
2. Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
3. Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week. Also, maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
4. Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
5. COVER your skin with clothing and repellent, and your doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out. Repellents with 10–30 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

This summer, win the battle against mosquitoes by arming and protecting yourself, and stop mosquitoes from living and multiplying around your home or business. Remember:

When in doubt—Drain and Cover.