How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Houston

houston texas usa skyline view

Mosquitoes here in Houston can be a significant problem, particularly during the summer months. Not only are they an itchy nuisance, but mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus and malaria can be dangerous. To protect yourself, your family, and your pets, follow these tips on how to get rid of mosquitoes in your Houston yard.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Houston Yard

Many Houstonians have heard the saying that the best defense is a good offense, and this holds true for mosquitoes. Take proactive measures here in Space City to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses. These steps include eliminating breeding grounds, treating current infestations, and keeping mosquitoes away.

Eliminate Breeding Grounds

Mosquito control illustration

The first step in eliminating these pesky insects is to stop their life cycle before they can snack on you. A tablespoon of stagnant water is all mosquitoes need to lay their eggs. When controlling mosquito populations, checking around your home for unexpected water sources is essential.

  • Keep downspouts clear and regularly clean gutters of debris and standing water.
  • Remove standing water from trash cans, buckets, old tires, plant saucers, and pots at least once a week.
  • Ensure trash containers are securely covered and have drainage holes.
  • Attach mesh screens to water tanks or cisterns to prevent debris from entering. Screens will also keep mosquitoes out of rain barrels.
  • Keep backyard pools and hot tubs properly chlorinated and debris-free to keep larvae out of your pool. Ensure pool covers are secure and don’t accumulate water on top.
  • Change the water in pet dishes daily.
  • Empty and clean kiddie pools and bird baths every couple of days.
  • Avoid overwatering lawns and gardens to prevent water from collecting in your yard.
  • Maintain your landscape by regularly mowing tall grass and trimming shrubs. Although mosquitoes don’t sleep like humans, they still like to rest in dense vegetation.

Treat Current Infestations

  • Larvicides: These products are used in standing water, such as ponds or rain barrels, to prevent mosquito larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes. Products like mosquito dunks contain a larvicide called Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) and can be commonly found in garden centers.
  • Mosquito yard treatments: Spraying and fogging your yard can help control mosquitoes in your outdoor living spaces. Mosquito yard sprays and foggers release a fine mist of insecticide into the air, killing adult mosquitoes. Using them responsibly is vital as they can also harm beneficial insects.
  • Professional mosquito service: A mosquito control expert can greatly reduce the little bloodsuckers for Houston homeowners using specialized equipment and EPA-approved pesticides or natural plant oils. To control mosquitoes long-term, they often provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring.

If you want to find professional mosquito control services near you, check out Pest Gnome’s 10 Best Mosquito Control Companies.

Prevent Mosquito Bites

mosquito trap to kill mosquitoes
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Take additional precautions to prevent mosquito bites for yourself, your family, and your pets. Follow these steps to prevent mosquito bites and help keep mosquitoes away.

  • Mosquito traps attract and capture mosquitoes using attractants, heat, or carbon dioxide. They can be found in garden or home improvement stores, or you can create simple DIY mosquito traps at home.
  • Install screens on windows and doors to help keep pests out of your home. Repair or replace screens with holes or tears so you don’t have to deal with mosquitoes in your house later.
  • During peak hours, dusk and dawn, mosquitoes are most active, so staying indoors or inside a screened patio or porch is best.
  • Keep your pets safe from mosquito bites by keeping them indoors or in a screened-in area when mosquitoes are active. Mosquito bites on dogs and cats put them at risk for heartworms.
  • Use mosquito netting to screen off a patio section or create a barrier around your bed. Some of the best mosquito nets are particularly helpful in preventing mosquito bites when camping, especially near water.
  • When outside, wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants and light-colored clothing. For further protection, use permethrin spray for clothes to keep mosquitoes away.
  • Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin to deter mosquitoes. Try using mosquito repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535 for the best results.
  • Use pet-safe insect repellents such as sprays or topical treatments. You can also use mosquito-repelling collars to keep your pets safe. Mosquitoes bite cats and dogs, causing irritation and increasing the risk of heartworms.

When is Mosquito Season in Houston?

mosquito season map

In Houston, mosquito season usually lasts from February to November, with peak mosquito activity between April and September. Due to the high rain and humidity during hurricane season, peaking in August, mosquitoes become even more prevalent and harder to control.

Eighty-five species of mosquitoes call Texas home, but in the Houston area, the main culprits are:

  • Yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti)
  • Southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus)
  • Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus)
  • Malaria mosquito (Anopheles)

Local Resources to Control Mosquitoes in Houston

If you’re having difficulty controlling the mosquito population in your yard, there are several local resources you can turn to for help. The Mosquito & Vector Control Division offers services to monitor the breeding of mosquitoes and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like Zika virus or dengue fever in Harris County. 

Services include:

  • Inspection for mosquito breeding sites: In the Houston area, you can fill out the request form or speak with a representative from the Harris County Public Health Mosquito Control Division (HCPH), and they will schedule an inspection of your property. They will provide recommendations for reducing mosquito breeding sites.
  • Mosquito education programs: HCPH offers free educational programs and outreach services to schools, libraries, civic associations, community groups, and homeowners.
  • Community involvement: HCPH Mosquito Control also has outreach programs to inform the community about current disease activity and proposed mosquito treatment areas. They also provide a way to report dead birds, which can help track disease vectors arising in the area.

FAQ: Mosquitoes in Houston

Does the City of Houston Provide Mosquito Control?

Yes, the Harris County Public Health Mosquito Control program monitors mosquito populations, tracks mosquito-borne illnesses and treats public areas for existing mosquitoes while providing educational information and resources for H-town residents.

What Kind of Mosquitoes are in Texas?

While Texas has identified 85 species of mosquitoes, the most common are Asian tiger mosquitoes, yellow fever mosquitoes, southern house mosquitoes, and the common malaria mosquito.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

Biting mosquitoes are most attracted to carbon dioxide, lactic acid (found in sweat), and body heat. However, studies have also shown that people with certain blood types are more likely to be bitten than others.

When to Call a Pro

If you’re struggling to control the mosquito population around your Houston home, it may be time to seek help from a professional pest control firm. They have specialized equipment and treatments to control mosquitoes and give you back your yard. Contact Pest Gnome to find the best pest control services available in your area.

Main Image Credit: Sean Pavone / Canva Pro / License

Raven Wisdom

Raven Wisdom is a writer with a passion for pest control, gardening, sustainable living, and making a positive impact in the world. When she's not defending her garden from critters in the wilds of West Texas, Raven can be found writing, wrangling two kids in a neurodivergent family, and supporting her local animal rescues.