How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

Last updated: 4/13/21
Estimated read time: 4 minutes

Summer is a great time to relax and enjoy your beautiful lawn. But there is one problem: hundreds of blood-sucking insects are invading your peaceful oasis. To help get rid of these nasty pests so that you spend your summer with family and friends soaking up the sun, we put together this list of tips and tricks to help you get rid of mosquitoes.

Aside from being annoying, mosquitoes can also be dangerous, as mosquito bites can transfer diseases. The most common mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S. include the West Nile, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika virus. To avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, consider using some methods below.

Avoid Standing Water

Because female mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs in as little as a cup of water, avoid shallow water or even damp soil that’s prone to flooding. Drain any form of stagnant water regularly, such as buckets, birdbaths, pet bowls, flower pots without proper drainage, or any other container that collects water.

For larger amounts of water, such as pools and ponds, we recommend treating it with liquid larvicide or BTI, a naturally occurring bacterium toxic to mosquitoes.

Set a Mosquito Trap

Another option is setting mosquito traps, purchased online or in a grocery or hardware store. Some traps use light, such as bug zappers, while others use smell to lure in mosquitoes. You can also make your own trap using sugar water and a plastic bottle.

Burn Candles

Mosquitoes can be kept at bay by burning candles or using essential oil diffusers with scents such as lavender, citronella, lemon, eucalyptus, lemongrass, clove, tea tree, and peppermint.

Invest in an Electric Fan

Did you know that mosquitoes can not fly against wind greater than 10 mph? To keep the air moving and the insects at bay, set up oscillating fans, especially around porches or areas where people congregate.

Maintain a Clean Yard

Mosquitoes love to inhabit shady spots close to the ground, such as the underside of plant leaves, brush, thick weeds, or tall grass—basically, anywhere it is damp, cool, and dark. Regular mow your lawn, trim bushes and clean up any yard waste to avoid this. Consider using cedar mulch around your home, bushes, and flower beds. The natural cedar oils repel mosquitoes, and the mulch soaks up excess moisture, which deters the insects from settling in your plants.

Attract Natural Predators

Mosquitos have a lot of natural predators that may be able to help keep them at bay, including:

Additionally, certain species of fish and birds can also naturally deter mosquitoes. To attract birds such as swallows, hummingbirds, sparrows, and woodpeckers, set up feeders and birdhouses away from your back patio. You can also put in a new backyard pond and fill it with fish such as bass, bluegill, catfish, goldfish, guppies, koi, and mosquito fish.

Change the Lighting

Many insects, including mosquitoes, are drawn to light. To reduce the number of bugs you attract, consider using sodium lamps, yellow bug lights, or warm LED lights in outdoor fixtures. It also helps to switch off outdoor lights when not in use.

Choose Your Plants Carefully

Avoid planting ground covers, such as ivy and pachysandra, and plants that require tons of pruning, as they provide natural shelter to mosquitoes. Instead, grow plants and herbs that naturally repel the pests, such as:

Not only will you ward off mosquitoes, but you will also attract pleasant insects and animals and make your yard smell great.