Combat Mosquitoes Before They Take Over Your Yard

By Geoffrey Sperring

May 13, 2025

You’re just starting to enjoy the warmer weather when your outdoor spaces are suddenly swarming with mosquitoes. Your family is complaining of nasty bites from these pests, and they seem to be everywhere. Alright, that's it! Time to launch a counter-offensive.

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Importance of Mosquito Control in Your Yard

Although most types of mosquitoes don't carry germs and are only a nuisance, their bites are still painful and uncomfortable. However, certain types can carry diseases, such as the West Nile virus, which causes fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Some mosquitoes carry viruses that can cause encephalitis.

Where Mosquitoes Breed

Understanding where mosquitoes breed is an important aspect of their control. Before laying eggs, female mosquitoes must bite a human or an animal to obtain protein to develop their eggs. The eggs are laid on or near water. When the larvae hatch, they need still (non-flowing) water to develop, eventually becoming pupas. After four to 30 days, the pupa changes into an adult mosquito.

Where Mosquitoes Rest and Sleep

Mosquitoes are active at dawn and for a few hours in the evening. Apart from these times, they rest in warm, damp and shady locations. Places where mosquitoes like to rest and sleep include under eaves and in sheds, drains, bushes, thick foliage and tall grass. Managing these areas helps keep mosquitoes under control.

What Are Some Ways to Eliminate Mosquitoes in My Yard?

If you want to know how to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard, there are several treatment methods you can use to significantly reduce the mosquito population.

Eradicate Breeding Sites

Mosquito larvae need standing water to develop. The best way to prevent mosquitoes from breeding is to eliminate potential sources by:

Removing standing water
Cleaning out gutters
Repairing sprinkler and faucet leaks
Covering rain barrels
Cleaning birdbaths and pet bowls often

Use Natural Larvicides

If you have standing water you can't remove, consider using a natural larvicide to prevent mosquito larvae from growing. The most common type is Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis ( Bti), which is naturally found in soil. It's safe to use and nontoxic, so you can put it into fishponds and water barrels.

EPA-Approved Insecticides

When you experience a large infestation of mosquitoes, a barrier insecticide spray is the best treatment for yards. Make sure the insecticide is safe for humans and pets; if in doubt, choose an EPA-approved mosquito yard spray such as permethrin.

Mosquito Traps

Setting out mosquito traps can help keep these pesky insects under control. Mosquitoes are attracted by the carbon dioxide from our breath, so many commercial traps generate carbon dioxide and trap the insects using nets or sticky paper. DIY traps filled with mosquito-attracting scents are also effective.

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Are There Plants That Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Yes, many plants deter mosquitoes. It's best to plant them around your outdoor areas or as potted plants on the patio. The best mosquito repellents for yards include:

Lavender
Citronella grass
Rosemary
Basil
Mint
Sage
Alliums
Catnip
Marigolds
Scented geraniums

How Do I Make My Yard Less Attractive to Mosquitoes?

While treatments for eliminating mosquitoes are effective, it's unlikely you'll get rid of the pests completely. Other methods of natural mosquito control for your yard include:

Keeping the space tidy and trimmed. Mosquitoes like dark and damp areas, including long grass. Keep the grass trimmed and plants pruned so there's plenty of light. Also, aerate the lawn to prevent water from collecting on compacted earth.
Using a cedar mulch. Apply cedar mulch to flower beds and walkways. Cedar has natural oils that mosquitoes don't like. Reapply the mulch as necessary for ongoing mosquito control in the yard.
Encouraging wildlife that eat mosquitoes. Many birds and animals eat mosquitoes. If you have a water feature, consider adding frogs or turtles, as they eat larvae. Attract insect-eating birds such as chickadees with a bird box, or install a bat box as they also feed on mosquitoes.
Changing outdoor lighting. Mosquitoes are attracted by white light, so consider using motion-activated fixtures to reduce the appeal. They're less attracted by yellow and red light, so using colored bulbs may be a good option when entertaining outdoors.
Lighting citronella candles. Citronella is a strong mosquito repellent, so use citronella candles to form a protective shield around where you're sitting.
Using fans. Because mosquitoes are weak flyers, strategically placing one or more fans on the patio helps keep them at bay. Ceiling fans are also effective.
Wearing insect repellent. Apply an insect repellent to clothing and exposed skin. These products have a scent that repels mosquitoes and helps keep them from settling on your body.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes breed rapidly, so it's not unusual to have swarms of them in your yard, especially following rain. If this occurs, you need to get rid of them quickly. Spraying is the best form of mosquito control for large yards. Using a backpack sprayer is helpful if you need to spray a large space. Alternatively, consider calling in an insect control specialist who has the right equipment to spray large areas. Specialists can also apply larvicides to kill mosquito larvae and pupas before they hatch.

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