10 DIY Mosquito Control Tips

Mosquitoes can quickly turn a blissful summer day into an itchy nightmare. Not only are they annoying, but they can also spread disease, making it extra important to stay protected. Get back to enjoying your yard today with our 10 DIY mosquito control tips.

10 Ways to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

If you’re looking for how to get rid of mosquitoes on your own, you’re in the right place. Here are our top tips for preventing these pests from infesting your yard:

1. Eliminate Standing Water

Eliminating standing water is a crucial step in preventing mosquitoes from reproducing. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, and by removing these potential breeding sites, you disrupt their life cycle. Keep an eye out for the following items in your yard:

2. Use Fans

Mosquitoes are weak fliers, and they struggle to navigate against even mild air currents. Placing fans around your seating or gathering area creates a barrier of moving air that makes it challenging for mosquitoes to fly close and land on you. 

3. Use Mosquito-Repellent Plants

Placing mosquito-repellant plants in your garden, patio, or near entryways creates a fragrant barrier that deters mosquitoes from getting too close. These plants add a pleasant aroma to your outdoor space and offer a chemical-free way to reduce mosquito activity and create a more enjoyable environment for your outdoor activities. Here are some plants to try that naturally emit scents that mosquitoes find repulsive:

• Citronella
• Lavender
• Lemongrass

4. Create Sugar Water Traps

Mosquitoes are drawn to the scent of sugar, and by creating a simple trap using sugar water, you can effectively capture and reduce their population. Mix water with sugar (1:1 ratio), place this mixture in a container, and cover it with plastic wrap, poking small holes in the wrap to create entry points for mosquitoes. The mosquitoes are attracted to the sugary scent, enter the trap through the holes, and then cannot escape. 

5. Change Your Outdoor Lighting

Mosquitoes are attracted to light, particularly UV and blue light. By opting for yellow or warm LED lights instead of traditional white or cool-toned lights, you can significantly reduce the attractiveness of your outdoor area to these pests. Yellow lights are less likely to attract mosquitoes, allowing you to enjoy your evenings outdoors without the constant annoyance of buzzing insects. 

6. Try Natural Larvicides

Using natural larvicides is a proactive and eco-friendly approach to preventing mosquitoes. Certain natural substances like Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) produce proteins toxic to mosquito larvae while being harmless to other organisms. When added to standing water sources like ponds, bird baths, and gutters, these larvicides effectively control mosquito populations at their source. 

7. Use Essential Oils

Certain essential oils contain compounds that mosquitoes find displeasing. By diluting a few drops of these oils with a carrier oil and applying them to your skin or clothing, you create a fragrant shield that deters mosquitoes from landing and biting. You can also make a DIY mosquito repellent spray by mixing these essential oils with water and using it to mist your surroundings. Here are the best ones to try:

8. Remove Yard Debris

Yard debris, such as fallen leaves, twigs, and overgrown vegetation, provides ideal hiding places and moisture-retaining environments where mosquitoes thrive. Regularly cleaning up and maintaining your yard eliminates these potential breeding grounds and creates a less hospitable environment for mosquitoes. Additionally, reducing clutter and promoting proper drainage help minimize standing water, which mosquitoes need for laying eggs. 

9. Keep Grass Trimmed

Tall grass provides a shaded, damp environment that mosquitoes find ideal for resting and breeding. Maintaining a shorter grass height reduces the areas where mosquitoes can hide and lay their eggs. Regular mowing also enhances airflow and sunlight exposure, creating a less favorable environment for these pests. 

10. Encourage Natural Predators

Creatures like bats, birds, dragonflies, and fish are natural predators of mosquitoes and their larvae. Creating habitats that attract these predators helps keep mosquito populations in check. Installing birdhouses, bat boxes, and water features that attract dragonflies can provide shelter and breeding areas for these beneficial insects.

The Best Way to Keep Mosquitoes Away

DIY methods can be very effective but don’t always provide a long-term solution. The best way to keep mosquitoes away is by hiring professional mosquito exterminators. Through recurring treatments and highly effective technology, this is the only way to ensure your yard stays protected from these pests. If you live in the Charlotte, NC, area, call TruMosquito for a free quote today!