The most effective way to reduce the number of mosquitoes around homes and ne·ighborhoods is to find and eliminate their breeding sites – standing water. Adults of some mosquito species remain near their breeding site. Others can travel long distances, even up to several miles. Because of this, problem mosquitoes may come from breeding sites some distance away. In order to reduce a mosquito population, the available habitats must be removed. There are effective steps that individuals can take to minimize mosquito breeding on their property.