Here’s How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Home & Yard

Mosquito Zappers & Lamps

Bug zappers are a well-known and effective method of mosquito control. They utilize UV light to draw in not only mosquitoes, but other flying insects like moths. Once the insects land on the light, an electrical current “zaps” and kills them. There are large bug zappers that do several thousand square feet of space, and smaller hanging bug zappers that are suitable for smaller spaces like porches and patios.

Mosquito Repellent

Using a bug repellent is a good way to keep bugs from coming into a specific area, such as a patio or outdoor eating area. Conventional bug repellant candles are one option, but electric or battery powered bug repellers are a safe and convenient way to get the same effect in a larger area.

Insect-Repellent Plants

Mosquitos are naturally repelled by specific plants that you can grow throughout your yard, especially in areas where you may be spending a lot of time. Good options include catnip, holy basil, rosemary, citrosa, and lemon thyme.

Insecticides

While bug repellent is a good method for mosquito control, you may want to have insecticides on hand to kill existing insects. These can include things like natural garlic sprays and indoor insecticides which may be needed for severe infestations.

Heat-Activated Bug Repellent

Heat activated bug repellent is a new and improved method for keeping insects at bay. This type of mosquito control uses heat to activate a repellent, without the need for an open flame. They can also cover a larger area than most citronella candles.

Attract Natural Insect Predators

Attracting natural predators is one way to achieve mosquito control, especially if you don’t have a severe problem. Some of the most common mosquito predators are: 

• Other Insects: Many other insects, such as dragonflies, are natural enemies to mosquitos. Dragonflies are attracted to ponds and other water features. 

• Fish: Outdoor goldfish or koi, as well as other water animals like turtles, eat mosquitos. These can also be kept in an outdoor pond. 

• Birds: Many birds feed exclusively on insects. Installing a bird feeder, bird bath or fountain can attract different species to your yard.

Mosquito Larvicides

Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water, such as outdoor ponds, bird baths, and puddles from rainstorms. One of the best forms of mosquito control is to remove all standing water from your property, but this isn’t always possible. When you want to prevent mosquito larvae from hatching in your outdoor water features, using mosquito larvicides is a good way to accomplish this. Just add them to the water.

Mosquito Coils

One of the most affordable and convenient forms of mosquito control are mosquito coils. They can be placed around your yard to act as a bug repellent to keep mosquitos out of specific areas. Most are mounted using a metal stake which can be placed in the ground throughout your yard or landscaping.

Mosquito Traps

Mosquito traps work similarly to bug zappers in that they use a UV light to draw in insects, but instead of electrocuting them, they trap them in a lower reservoir where they eventually die. They can be easily emptied and reused long-term.

Essential Oils & Candles

There are many essential oils which can be used to create natural bug repellent. These can include rosemary, peppermint, and camphor. Mixed with water, they can be used to make a natural bug spray to spray down patio items, such as furniture and pillows. You can also diffuse them if you’re in an enclosed area, such as a porch. Bug repellent candles using these oils are also available.

Weatherseal Your Home

Keeping bugs out of your home is one of the most crucial aspects of mosquito control. Making sure to close doors as soon as you enter or exit is one important step, but it’s often not enough. Weather stripping and caulking around any gaps or drafty areas of your home will keep mosquitos from coming in through small cracks. Use screens on doors and windows so you can enjoy the fresh summer air while keeping insects outside where they belong.