13 Reasons Mosquitoes Are Swarming Your Yard—and How to Stop Them

People

Humans are the favored food source for mosquitoes. "Mosquitoes are in your backyard because you’re in your backyard," says Natasha Oldham, general manager at MissQuito. According to Oldham, female mosquitoes bite to access the protein in your blood for egg production. "They find people using a combination of smell, sight, and heat," she says. If you’ve been working out, drinking alcohol, or are pregnant, you will emit more carbon dioxide, which will attract more mosquitoes.

One thing you can do to deter mosquitoes from making you a target is to watch what you eat and drink. Oldham points out that mosquitoes and other flying insects are attracted to sugar and lactic acid in salty foods. Avoiding sugary or salty foods can keep mosquitoes away. Also, bear in mind that alcohol raises your body temperature, making it easier for mosquitoes to find you.

Your Clothes

What you apply to your body before going outdoors can make a big difference. "Perfumes, soaps, and lotions with a botanical smell will attract mosquitoes," cautions Oldham. Not only that, mosquitoes have color preferences. According to research conducted by the University of Washington, mosquitoes prefer red, followed by orange, black, and cyan.

The good news is that if you opt for tightly woven, loose clothing and dress in white, green, or purple, mosquitoes may be less likely to bite you. Additionally, Oldham advises avoiding wearing any botanical scents if you don’t want mosquitoes in your midst.

Standing Water

Standing water is the number one offender when it comes to mosquitoes commandeering your yard. "Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant, still water, which is necessary for their young to hatch and mature," says entomologist David Price. The startling thing is that it doesn’t take a lot of standing water to start a big problem. According to Oldham, a bottle cap of standing water can become a breeding ground for hundreds of mosquito larvae. "The more standing water you have around your home, the larger your mosquito problem," she cautions.

Price recommends regularly checking and emptying any spots in your yard that hold standing water, including buckets, flowerpots, pools/pool toys, leaky hoses, bird baths, tires, and play structures. This is especially important after a rainfall. And, if you have a pool, keep it covered when not in use to ward off the mosquitoes. 

Gutters

You likely already know how critical it is to keep your gutters clean for drainage purposes, but clogged gutters can also become a mosquito nursery. According to licensed exterminator Alan Bossel, the best way to prevent a mosquito infestation in your gutters is to clean them once every three months. "If you live near trees, do it monthly," he advises. Adding mesh gutter guards to slow down debris accumulation is another safeguard.

Wet Mulch

Because mosquitoes are attracted to moisture, wet mulch in your yard can attract swarms of these insects. "Wet mulch is a mosquito favorite," says Bossel. "It traps moisture and gives them a dark place to rest between flights."

To keep mosquitoes at bay, Bossel recommends keeping your mulch less than 2 inches deep. He also advises using cedar when possible, as it dries more quickly and is a natural bug repellent due to its odor. Additionally, rake the mulch weekly to prevent the base from staying soggy.

Dog Bowls and Kiddie Pools

Pay close attention to any dog bowls and kiddie pools lying around, as these are often overlooked. "Water gets swapped out, but the edges get slimy," Bossel says. "That slime holds mosquito eggs."

For a mosquito-free yard, scrub dog bowls or kiddie pools with soap once a week. Bossel notes that adding two drops of lavender oil to the rinse water will drive off mosquitoes without harming your pets. He also recommends using stainless steel or ceramic bowls when possible. "Plastic holds more bacteria and makes it worse," notes Bossel.

Overwatered Lawns

It's tempting to overwater your lawn during summer to keep it lush. However, overwatered lawns and poorly draining grounds can be a major issue when it comes to mosquitoes. "If your lawn has wet areas that remain soggy for days following watering or rain, it’s a mosquito magnet," says pest control expert Tony King.

King recommends checking your irrigation system for leaks or overuse and watering your lawn in the morning so it has a chance to dry. "For wet areas, grade the terrain, install French drains, or top with moisture-attracting ground coverings to draw out excess water," he says.

Discarded Outdoor Items

Yards can unintentionally become collect-alls for household items that have cycled out of use. These items can easily become nesting grounds for mosquitoes after rainfall, as it takes very little water for them to proliferate. "Discarded outdoor items like worn tarps, furniture covers, or plastic toys can collect water and serve as microhabitats," says King.

To prevent mosquitoes from setting up house in any random item, King recommends taking a walk around your yard every week and flipping over objects that have collected rainwater. 

Shade

A shady yard is more likely to attract mosquitoes. "Mosquitoes are not good fliers and do not like to be in full sun," Price says. "They will rest in the trees and bushes to stay protected from the wind and direct sun." Oldham adds that adult mosquitoes get sluggish when the temperature rises above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. "They will retreat from the sunlight and hide in shady areas," she says.

Keeping your lawn trimmed and pruning back heavy foliage regularly will reduce the chance of mosquitoes invading your yard. "Thick hedges, thick bush growth, and dense tree coverings are perfect resting sites," says King. "Cut grass, trim shrubs, and remove some of the leaves to provide better air movement." King notes that a clean yard will repel mosquitoes by reducing the number of places where they can rest and hide.

Tall Grass

Tall grass is a mosquito magnet. "Once your lawn creeps past 4 inches, the base traps moisture and creates cool hiding spots," says Oldham. "That bottom layer becomes their daytime hideout."

To keep mosquitoes away, Oldham recommends mowing your lawn weekly during peak season and using a sharp blade for the edge in place of a string trimmer. If your grass is near fences, sheds, or shaded areas, Oldham suggests applying a garlic-based yard spray once per week to help repel the mosquitoes naturally. 

Cool Lights

Mosquitoes are attracted to cool light, so Bossel recommends switching to yellow LED bulbs for outdoor use. "The cooler the light, the more attractive it is for biting bugs," he notes. Another deterrent for mosquitoes is an oscillating fan in your yard. "Mosquitoes cannot fly through wind," says Bossel. "It breaks their flight path and throws off their senses." 

Dirty Grill

It is essential to clean your grill regularly, as mosquitoes are attracted to the water retained in the grease trap. "They like water that has organic matter for the larvae to feed upon and move through their life stages," says Price.

To fix this problem, Price recommends cleaning your grill thoroughly after each use. For further protection, cover your grill with a grill cover to deter mosquitoes from entering and collecting.

Yard Debris

On hot and windy days, leaf piles, wood piles, and grass clippings are great hiding spots for mosquitoes. According to King, they retain moisture and provide a shaded, sheltered space for these pests.

To avoid this, King recommends raking leaf piles regularly, especially after mowing the lawn. Additionally, leaving grass clippings behind encourages mosquitoes, so move them to a spot away from your lawn. Lastly, King suggests keeping firewood in an organized pile that is elevated off the ground and far from the home.