Mosquito and mosquito species identification

Mosquitoes are more than just a summertime nuisance. These tiny insects are known vectors of serious diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, malaria, and dengue fever. Even if they’re not carrying disease-causing pathogens, their bites can cause red, itchy welts.

You may be wondering how to keep mosquitoes away from your yard. Proactive prevention is the best way to avoid the risks associated with mosquitoes. By eliminating breeding grounds, using effective repellents, and implementing protective measures around your home, you can help reduce mosquito populations and minimize your chances of being bitten.

Environmental mosquito control

Mosquitoes thrive in environments that provide standing water, shade, and dense vegetation—conditions that allow them to rest, breed, and feed. By making simple changes to your outdoor space, you can significantly help reduce mosquito populations.

Eliminate standing water

How to keep mosquitoes away from your yard starts with eliminating standing water where they breed. Mosquitoes need only a small amount of water to lay their eggs—as little as a bottle cap's worth. As long as the water remains stagnant for several days, it can support mosquito larvae. Common places water can collect include: 

• Clogged gutters – Leaves and debris trap water, creating ideal breeding sites.
• Birdbaths – Stagnant water in birdbaths can quickly become a mosquito nursery.
• Old tires – Rainwater can collect inside tires, providing a dark, protected breeding ground.
• Trash cans and lids – Water pooling in or on top of improperly sealed garbage bins can attract mosquitoes.
• Kiddie pools and pool covers – Water left in small pools or trapped on pool covers can provide a large potential breeding area.

Understanding how to repel mosquitoes through environmental changes can help reduce their numbers around your home. To prevent potential breeding grounds: 

• Dump out standing water at least once a week.
• Cover or turn over containers that can collect water.
• Clean gutters regularly to ensure proper drainage.

Maintain landscaping

Adult mosquitoes rest in shady, cool, and humid areas during the day to avoid dehydration and predators. Common hiding spots include tall grass, overgrown vegetation, bushes, shrubs, dense foliage, inside sheds, under leaves, and yard debris. To help reduce mosquito breeding grounds and resting spots:

• Trim vegetation – Keep grass short and prune overgrown bushes to reduce shaded areas.
• Remove yard debris – Clear leaves, logs, and clutter where mosquitoes can hide.
• Improve drainage – Fill in low spots and clear gutters to prevent standing water.
• Use mulch wisely – Avoid excessive mulch buildup, as it retains moisture and provides shelter.

Install screens

Another effective way to keep mosquitoes away is to install screens on windows and doors. Screens and netting create a physical barrier that helps prevent mosquitoes from entering homes and outdoor spaces. Screens can be added to windows, doors, screen-in porches, and gazebos. Mosquito nets can be used over beds or outdoor seating areas to provide protection while sleeping or relaxing. To ensure your screens and nets work correctly, check that there are no holes or tears and that they tightly fit the areas they’re being used on.

Personal protection from mosquitoes

Personal protection can significantly help reduce the risk of mosquito bites and the diseases they carry. Taking simple precautions can help create a barrier between yourself and mosquitoes, making it harder for them to reach your skin.

Wear protective clothing

If you want to know how to repel mosquitoes during outdoor activities, wearing protective clothing is a simple solution. Clothing should be tightly woven and thick enough to prevent mosquitoes from biting through. When outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants to minimize exposed skin on your arms and legs. To cover your ankles and feet, opt for socks and closed-toe shoes. A wide-brim hat or mosquito net can also help provide extra coverage in high-risk areas. 

It can also help to think about what colors you’re wearing before going outdoors. Light-colored clothing (white, beige, pastels) is less attractive to mosquitoes than dark colors. Dark colors (black, navy, red) tend to attract mosquitoes more, as they retain heat and absorb light which stands out in their vision.

Use insect repellent

Effective mosquito repellents contain key ingredients like DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). For the best results, apply the repellent to exposed skin and clothing, avoiding contact with the eyes and mouth. Always read and follow the repellent label. Reapplication is necessary, especially after sweating or swimming. 

Many people don’t know how to repel mosquitoes without using harsh chemicals, but natural repellents may be temporarily helpful. Natural scents like citronella, lavender, peppermint, lemon eucalyptus, tea tree oil, basil, and rosemary can also help deter mosquitoes.

Avoid peak mosquito times

Most mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. During these low-light periods, they are more likely to feed, as they tend to avoid bright sunlight. However, their activity can vary depending on the species and weather conditions.

Advanced mosquito control  

Advanced mosquito control involves various techniques and technologies to reduce mosquito populations and prevent bites. Mosquito traps and treatments can be used in targeted areas to help eliminate adult mosquitoes. 

Mosquito traps

Mosquito traps are devices designed to attract and capture mosquitoes to help reduce populations. There are several types, each with varying effectiveness and limitations:

• CO2 traps release carbon dioxide to mimic human breath, effectively capturing mosquitoes, but they require frequent maintenance and are costly. 
• UV light traps attract mosquitoes with ultraviolet light, but they can also draw other beneficial insects and may only work for certain mosquito species, specific times of day, or certain times during the season. 
• Propane traps emit CO2 and heat to lure mosquitoes over larger areas, though they can be expensive to operate and maintain.

While mosquito traps can help reduce mosquito populations in localized areas, they won’t eliminate them entirely and should be used alongside other professional mosquito control methods.

Professional pest control

While mosquito prevention can be highly effective, it’s not foolproof, and mosquitoes can still find their way to your yard. When it comes to controlling mosquitoes, professional mosquito control offers the most effective, long-term solution. Western Exterminator’s experts understand mosquito behavior and breeding habits and can create customized solutions to address the source of the problem. 

Take action today and protect your outdoor space with Western Exterminator’s mosquito control services. With over 100 years of experience, we provide effective, eco-friendly solutions to help ensure you can enjoy your yard.