HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The recent rainfall and flooding is providing the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

The Reno County Health Department announced Tuesday that it will provide free larvicide mosquito dunks and directions for proper usage available to all Reno County residents at the Reno County Health Department. The dunks can be picked up at 209 W. 2nd Ave. in Hutchinson.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with Kansas Department of Health and Environment, recommend removing standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs by emptying items that hold water. If the water cannot be emptied, you can use larvicide mosquito dunks in the water.

To prevent mosquito bites, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using Environmental Protection Agency registered insect repellents as directed, wear long sleeves and pants, use screens on doors and windows that will be open, and — if you are camping and sleeping outdoors — consider using a mosquito bed net.

For more information about the free mosquito dunks, please contact the Reno County Health Department at 620-694-2900 and visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov to learn more tips about preventing mosquito bites.