The following are some recommendations issued by the Montgomery County Health Department to help in eliminating mosquito breeding areas. Mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus.

* Identify and eliminate all standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than five days.

* Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have collected on your property. Pay special attention to discarded tires.

*Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.

* Clean and unblock all roof gutters.

* Empty and turn over wading pools when not in use.

* Turn over wheelbarrows.

* Do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths.

* Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito breeding grounds if the water is allowed to stagnate.

* Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated. Mosquitoes also can breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.