Rain barrel maintenance: keep the mosquitoes out
Rain barrels are an excellent way to reduce runoff and conserve water. Unfortunately they can also be the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Even if you think your rain barrel is mosquito-tight, you should err on the side of caution and assume that it might breed mosquitoes: screens tear, water levels overflow, and mosquitoes find unexpected ways in.
With that assumption in mind, please take a look at tips developed by Columbus Public Health for keeping mosquitoes from breeding in your rain barrel. See the information flyer at http://bit.ly/CPH-2012-RB