Expert Tips to Get Rid of Backyard Mosquitos—and Reclaim Your Summer Evenings

In the summer, the evenings are long, the pool is glistening, outdoor cooking is at its peak—and pesky mosquitoes are ready to pounce. But with a little preparation and some smart strategies, you'll be able to get rid of mosquitoes in your backyard and take back your alfresco summer days and nights.

We consulted with a pest control expert and award-winning entomologist to get the 4-1-1 on outdoor mosquito control for a mostly bite-free summer. 

What Attracts Mosquitoes to Backyards

Feel like mosquitoes are flocking to your outdoor oasis? “Mosquitoes do not fly far from their original larval development location, often anywhere from a few hundred feet to a couple of miles, depending on the species,” entomologist Dr. Tracy Ellis explains. “Generally speaking, when you are pursued by mosquitoes, they are from a breeding location nearby.”

“Mosquito attraction to a location depends on the life stage and sex of the mosquito,” Ellis says. She explains that once a female mosquito reaches adulthood, it looks for a suitable location for egg laying, provided it has a nearby meal (you and any visiting guests). 

Here are some factors that may have made your backyard an attractive breeding ground:

Standing Water

According to pest control expert Tony King, standing water is the number one attractor to mosquitoes, as it's the ideal spot for them to lay their eggs. "This can be obvious, like birdbaths and puddles," he says, "but also not so obvious—like clogged gutters, watering cans left outside, or the trays under flower pots."

Ellis adds that even the branch junctions of trees (where the branches connect to the trunk) can collect little pools of water, in which mosquitoes will happily lay their eggs.

Carbon Dioxide

Ever experience a swarm of mosquitoes appear after a backyard barbecue? Here's why: “Female mosquitoes are also attracted to the carbon dioxide we and animals exhale—so a backyard with a lot of activity, especially in the evening, becomes a hot spot,” King explains.

Dense Shade and Tall Grass

If your backyard has a lot of tall grass, consider giving it a trim to help prevent mosquitoes. Mosquitoes love overgrown grass and dense shade, King explains. This is where they typically spend most of their time.

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How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in the Backyard

Besides taking preventive measures (such as wearing insect repellent clothing and sprays), there are a few steps you can and should take to reduce their presence in your backyard. 

Habitat Disruption

King says that the most effective way to manage mosquitoes long-term is by disrupting their habitats (since that’s where they lay their eggs). Since mosquitoes love standing water, it’s important to inspect your yard for any potential breeding locations and drain them. Ellis suggests dumping your flower pot water saucers, cleaning the gutters, and staying on top of any rainwater that’s collected in bird baths or trash cans. 

Consider trimming trees to allow water to evaporate from pools. “Trim back bushes and mow the lawn frequently to reduce shady, humid areas where mosquitoes like to rest,” King adds.

Try Mosquito Traps

“Some homeowners find success with mosquito traps that use carbon dioxide or UV light to lure mosquitoes and capture them,” King explains. “But these methods are much more effective when paired with preventative strategies like water management and professional treatments.”

Even while traps can help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your backyard, they’re definitely not a one-and-done solution. Think of them more as a helpful addition to preventative and/or professional intervention.

Use Netting

“Installing fine mesh screens on windows and adding mosquito netting around outdoor seating areas can provide extra protection,” King says. This is especially smart to do if you don’t have an enclosed porch, but you still want to enjoy your beautiful outdoor space.

Plant a Pest-Repelling Garden

Your gorgeous garden can have pest-repelling benefits. There are several species of plants that naturally repeal mosquitoes. Plants like catnip, citronella, lemongrass, lavender, and more release odors or contain oils that mosquitoes don't like, keeping them away from your yard.

Hire a Professional

Pest-control professionals can use their expertise to find and eliminate mosquito breeding sites, Ellis says. Pros are able to identify standing water sources, apply specific treatments based on local mosquito behavior, and help eradicate larvae to keep mosquito populations from rebounding.

Above all else, you don't want to take it upon yourself to spray a harmful insecticide that kills helpful pollinators.