ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Public Health is urging residents to clean up around their homes, yards and communities and discard unnecessary items that can hold water.

"Tip ’n’ Toss" after every rainfall to reduce the number of mosquitoes and prevent the spread of Zika virus in Georgia. To date, no locally transmitted Zika cases have been reported in the state, but cases have been reported in returning travelers.

Zika virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Both of these species are found in Georgia. Aedes mosquitoes are called "container breeders" because they lay eggs in any container with water — even something as small as a bottle cap, if it has water in it.

One of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of the Zika virus is controlling the mosquito population by eliminating standing water around the home and in the yard. Tip ’n’ Toss means after every rain, tip out water in flowerpots, planters, toys, wading pools and buckets. If it holds water and you don’t need it (old tires, bottles, cans), toss it out. Look for small bodies of water such as drainage ponds, tree stumps and tire ruts. Clean out gutters, remove piles of leaves and keep vegetation cut low to prevent landing sites for adult mosquitoes.

For containers without lids or that are too big to Tip ’n’ Toss, use larvicides such as mosquito dunks or mosquito torpedoes and follow the label instructions. Used properly, larvicides will not hurt birds or animals.

"Mosquitoes don’t recognize property lines, so controlling their numbers has to be a collaborative effort among neighbors," Georgia Health Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald said.

It is also important to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing 20 percent to 30 percent DEET or picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow all label instructions for safe and effective use. Wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves, long pants and socks to help prevent mosquito bites.

To learn more about Zika protection and prevention or Tip ’n’ Toss, go to dph.ga.gov/zika or cdc.gov/zika.