5 Ways to Rid Your Yard of Mosquitoes
I am sure all of you can identify with me that mosquitoes can be a real nuisance invading our outdoor as well as our indoor living spaces. Have you ever thought of spending some relaxing time outdoors seeking not only to get that much-needed fresh air as you connect with nature but to enjoy your beautifully maintained garden only to have those plans disturbed by mosquitoes?
Or maybe you invited friends and family members over seeking to enjoy a nice barbecue only to be greeted or having your social gatherings disrupted with swarms of mosquitoes well maybe not swarms but enough that is annoying. I am sure that all of us in some ways have had our share of troubles with these uninvited (mosquitoes) guests.
Why should spending time outdoors be unpleasant when you can take charge and win the war on ridding your yard of these disease-carrying insects by implementing these 5 ways that will keep them at bay or reduce their population.
Affiliate Disclaimer
As an Amazon Associate and the owner of this website, I’ve tracked down special deals for some of the products mentioned here. When you use the links on this page to make a purchase I may get a small commission and you will get a great bargain. It’s a WIN-WIN for both of us.
The Mosquito Lifecycle
Before we go further into our discussion I want us to just for a few seconds to view the lifecycle of mosquitoes which includes egg, larva, pupa, and then adult. It takes about 8-10 days before mosquitoes reach adulthood.
How to get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Yard
1. Standing Water
Because mosquitoes spend about 75% of their lifecycle in water it is important that we discourage their presence by ensuring that all containers and other vessels are emptied. Either dispose of those containers or turn containers upside down so they won’t be able to collect water, remember mosquitoes are attracted by standing water to lay their eggs. These containers/vessels can also hold water that will draw mosquitoes to your yard like a magnet.
Gutters, tires, flower pot saucers, buckets, wheelbarrows, pet bowls, trash can lids, grill covers, depressions or sinks in lawns, traps, bird baths, etc.. with pet bowls change the water daily, change the water in the bird bath several times a week, once you finished watering your outdoor potted plants and the water has drained empty the saucer. Places in your lawn that have depressions can be leveled with sand which is known as top dressing. Installing water-loving native flowers in places that collect water will help also.
2. The Removal of Debris
The removal of harbourages or hiding places will discourage the presence of mosquitoes, these hiding places include weeds, tall grass, leaf litter, overgrown vegetation, fallen branches, and compost piles-I know, you don’t want to get rid of your compost pile because it’s natural organics so what you can do is place your compost in a garbage can or drum with a firm lid that will tightly seal your compost keeping mosquitoes at bay.
3. Using Insecticides
The use of insecticides is a great way to reduce the mosquito population, once insecticides are applied will kill the adult mosquitoes, eggs, and the larva. But only use as a last resort because insecticides can cause skin irritation, negatively impact butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects, and can harm the environment if overused or used incorrectly. It is therefore important to follow the manufactures direction for the best results.
4. Dethatching
Thatch build-up is encouraged by tightly woven layers of both living and dead stems, roots, and leaves that collect in the grass between the growing blades and the soil beneath. A healthy layer of thatch can protect your lawn from foot traffic, but a buildup of thatch that is more than one-half inch means it’s time to dethatch.
Dethatching will not only improve your soil structure to absorb water more easily along with water drainage but will help the grassroots to uptake fertilizer along with the removal of humid homes for mosquitoes and preventing fungal growth. To remove thatch buildup wait until the grass can be mowed.
Make sure and mow your lawn at the proper cutting height, next with a dethatcher or rake pull up the thatch, a dethatcher similar to a rake uses metal blades or tines to comb through the grass but will require less work.
5. Using Mosquito Repelling in your Garden
Incorporating certain plants in your garden will keep mosquitoes at bay, some garden plants emit a fragrance that mosquitoes hate. And then there are some plants that release chemicals that mosquitoes dislike. Some places where mosquitoes congregate to install plants are wet areas, the front porch, back patio, water features, and shady areas. Some mosquito repelling plants are marigold, peppermint, citronella, lavender, catnip, eucalyptus, American beautyberry, and bee balm.
10 Mosquitoes Facts
- It’s estimated that there are more than “3,000 species of mosquitoes on the planet”
- Mosquitoes are known to spread diseases such as influenza, Zika Virus, Cholera, Dengue fever, and West Nile disease
- It’s believed that mosquitoes were around from the age of the dinosaurs
- Only the female mosquito bites
- The life expectancy of a mosquito is 2 short months
- Mosquitoes don’t only feed on human blood but on animal blood as well
- A female mosquito can lay up to 300 eggs at a time, no wonder the mosquito population is so large
- Mosquitoes have poor eyesight
- Body heat can make some people susceptible to mosquito bites
Bonus Tips just for You
- There are estimated to be some “2,700 species of bromeliads” as beautiful as these plant species many of them collect water in the center cup. This standing or stagnate water will attract mosquitoes becoming a breeding ground, the use of a turkey baster will offer help in removing water from the center cup.
- If your bromeliads collect water during the rainy season at least once a week with a strong spray of water from your garden hose flush the center cup. This flushing of water will disrupt the mosquito lifecycle.
- Treat the water in your bromeliad with a safe larvicide, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, BTl, and methoprene are commercially available larvicides that are safe for plants and around people and animals when used as directed so read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results.
- Coat the water in the center cup with a few small drops of cooking oil, the cooking oil will cover the surface of the water, and any mosquito larva that’s present will be stopped from breathing.
The final word on how to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard
The presence of mosquitoes can become a real issue but from what we have discussed you can bring them under control by reducing their population or keeping them at bay with these proven methods that have worked wonders. Why avoid spending time in your outdoor living space because of these pests when you can take control. Following this guide will give you much success as you win the war on mosquitoes.
Newsletter
Signup Today for Our Newsletter to Receive Up to Date Information on Herbs and Other Gardening News in the Industry.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Hello. Your advice is excellent and will mean a lot to me. Especially since I live in such an area where there are really a lot of mosquitoes and bugs. A river flows near me, we have a lake and we are also surrounded by forest and hills. I will try these ideas right away.
You are welcome and I am so happy that I could help, all the best to you, and have a good day!!
Hi Norman,
It is highly helpful and informative post.
It is learning of some additional tips on my end. I particularly like having mosquito repelling plants around my garden. Having oil spread on stagnant water Is a big natural help. Keeping area dry is very important. However you get to water the garden enough to keep the plant stay healthy but don’t have a lot to accumulate. They may give rise to mosquitoes.
When we sit outside, they are always to bite you. So using neem oil As repellent But your body smell bad.
you need a fine balance of not repelling helpful bees and killing mosquitoes.
It is so good to know that there are ways including natural ways to get rid of these pests. Thanks so much for sharing.