How To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Home and Yard

water flowing though a rain screen

Summer is in full swing, and amidst the infernal heat, a battle rages on — not between knights, but between you, a mere mortal, and the insidious mosquito army. Will you wave the white flag of surrender and flee the battlefield (your yard) for the comfort of the AC, or will you learn how to keep mosquitoes away from your home and yard?

In this article, we’ll explore ways to keep those mosquito minions away from your home and yard. So, let’s raise our citronella candles and lead the charge!

Life Cycle of a Mosquito

Your best defense against mosquitoes is being armed with knowledge. Understanding the secret lives of these pesky mosquitoes is key to defeating their evil plans.

Pestgnome mosquito lifecycle illustration

From eggs to larvae, pupae, and finally, adult mosquitoes, these little critters go through four stages of growth. But remember, the time it takes to complete this transformation depends on species, temperature, and where they call home. 

  1. Egg: Mosquitoes lay eggs in or near stagnant water.
  2. Larva: These eggs hatch into larvae, also called “wrigglers.” Larvae “live to eat,” as mosquitoes at this stage require tons of energy to continue their development. 
  3. Pupa: After a period of time, the larvae develop into pupae, or “tumblers,” so named because they tumble away from the surface when disturbed. Mosquitoes in the pupal stage do not eat.
  4. Adult: After 1-4 days as a pupa, the mature insect splits the pupal case, emerging as a fully grown adult. After the adult emerges, its body must dry and harden. Then it takes flight. After she mates, the adult female mosquito must feed on the blood of an animal or human to produce eggs and continue the life cycle.

Note: Those grown-up female mosquitoes have one thing on their mind: your blood. Beware because these sneaky little rebels might be playing host to a party of diseases like West Nile virus, Zika, dengue, malaria, and yellow fever. 

Pesticides

worker using pesticides on yard
Photo Credit: GEOLEE / Canva Pro / License

Do you ever become weary of all of the “-cides” used to get rid of pests (insecticides, larvicides, and adulticides, to name a few)? There are more “-cides” to kill critters than there are “sides” at the drive-thru. So, how do you choose? Trying to unravel this maze of information is like watching Thomas navigate the maze in the Maze Runner movie.

The word “pesticide” is an umbrella term encompassing many insect-controlling goodies, but here, we’ll focus only on the larvicides and adulticides that help control mosquitoes. We’ll break down the maze of confusion and arm you with the knowledge to conquer those buzzing pests! 

Larvicides

Larvicides and pupacides are designed to kill mosquito larvae and pupae before they become adults. Here are a few different types: 

Bacterial larvicide: One type of bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) is used in mosquito dunks. These dunks effectively kill the larvae in birdbaths, ornamental ponds, rain barrels, and other sources of stagnant water. These do not harm fish or birds and are considered a natural, safe, and effective way to control mosquitoes in your yard. 

Insect growth regulators: Insect growth regulators (IGRs) interfere with the molting process of the larvae and pupae, preventing them from getting to the adult stage. Commonly used IGRs include methoprene and pyriproxyfen. 

Oils, films, and liquids: These are put on the surface of the water in a very thin layer. When the larvae and pupae come to the water’s surface to breathe, these applications will suffocate and kill them. 

Note: IGRs and oils, films, and liquids are typically used by licensed pros, but Bti is a homeowner-friendly, DIY option. 

Adulticides

If you missed the larval or pupal phases, you must go after the adult mosquito with adulticides. The main types of adulticides are applied in spray form: 

  • Organophosphates are chemical compounds that control mosquitoes, preventing their nervous systems from working properly. These include malathion and naled and are most often used by local governments or professionals.
     
  • Pyrethrin is a plant-derived pesticide that kills adult mosquitoes. Some are extracted from chrysanthemum flowers. Professionals will use ultra-low volume (ULV) spray to treat the areas that need attention.
  • Synthetic pyrethroids: These are synthetic chemical pesticides that kill adult mosquitoes. Used mostly by professionals, these are applied using ULV spray by local city governments. A few examples are sumithrin, d-phenothrin, and deltamethrin. 

Note: Synthetic pyrethroids are also used in popular mosquito yard sprays and other household and pet items consumers can buy. 

Yard Sprays and Foggers

Popular with DIYers and mosquito control companies, mosquito yard sprays and foggers offer another option for knocking down adult mosquitoes on your lawn. DIY options include both chemical and natural sprays. Many mosquito control companies also offer chemical-free sprays.

Sprays are applied to the lawn and to the vegetation where mosquitoes rest during the day. Foggers work as a fog or mist of very small droplets. Mosquitoes that come into contact with the product in the air are killed immediately. Depending on the product, the repellent effect may last for a few hours up to a few weeks.

Mosquito Repellents

a burning mosquito coil
Photo Credit: BSPC / Canva Pro / License

These are meant to repel mosquitoes instead of killing them. Firstly, we’ll start with what I’ll call personal mosquito repellents, those that you apply to your skin. 

Personal Mosquito Repellents

Mosquitoes are drawn to humans because we exhale carbon dioxide. To protect ourselves when we are in untreated areas, we should use personal mosquito repellants. 

These products (which come in sprays, lotions, wipes, and aerosols) contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), among others, which will obscure your smell and keep the mosquitoes away. Picaridin is an insect repellent that can be used on clothing or the skin. 

Now, we’ll move into the repellents for your home and yard.

Spatial Repellents

Spatial repellents release substances into the air within a certain space (instead of on a person). They are a popular option anytime you want to have a mosquito-free gathering outdoors. 

Here are some examples of popular spatial repellents: 

Note: Spatial repellents work best in smaller areas without much air movement. These will all suffer from a loss of efficacy in windy conditions, so use on a windless day for the best results. 

Spatial repellents are such a popular option for enhancing outdoor enjoyment during mosquito season that some offer chemical-free options.

Some of the essential oils you’ll find in these repellents include:

  • Citronella 
  • Eucalyptus
  • Peppermint
  • Lemongrass

However, the efficacy of some essential oils isn’t well studied. Many prefer to opt for the proven effectiveness and safety of EPA-approved ingredients in spatial repellents to keep skeeters and other biters away from backyard gatherings.

Zappers and Traps (Passive Solutions)

hanging bug zapper
Photo Credit: D. Homer / Canva Pro / License

The mosquito battle is real, but so are the constraints on your time, especially in the summer. Here are two passive mosquito solutions for your yard if you don’t want to take the time to spray the lawn or wear mosquito repellents. Check them out below: 

Bug Zappers

A bug zapper is a mesmerizing trap that lures unsuspecting mosquitoes in and gives them a one-way ticket to the afterlife. These traps contain a very attractive light and can make unpleasant noises. They capture the mosquitoes, which are then “zapped” (electrocuted).  

Mosquito Traps

Typically, mosquito traps use attractants, like CO2 or water, to lure the female mosquito. Some then utilize a sticky surface or catch basket to capture them. There are also simple and inexpensive DIY mosquito traps you can make yourself.

Get Rid of Standing Water

Mosquito control illustration
Photo Credit: Juan Rodriguez

Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water or in dry places that flood periodically. Either way, if you get rid of the water, you get rid of the nursery for the next generation of buzzing biters. Here are some tips to get you started:

  • Empty all standing water that has been collecting in items lying around your property to eliminate potential breeding areas. For standing water in rain barrels, add a larvicide and/or screen the top to prevent skeeters from laying eggs in the water.
  • Inspect gutters and get rid of leaves. 
  • Change the water in your birdbath and fountains once or twice weekly (or use mosquito dunks).
  • Mow the lawn and keep debris to a minimum.

FAQ

Does Smoke Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Yes, smoke can keep mosquitoes away, but one study found that the efficacy of the smoke depended on a few variables, such as the species of mosquito and the type of smoke (what you’re burning).

This field study on smoke as a form of mosquito protection was conducted on five consecutive nights during the rainy season in Papua New Guinea. Locals burned four local plant species’ wood, husks, or leaves. Overall, there were fewer numbers of anopheline and culicine mosquitoes around the fires than were around the control area (no fires).

The authors conclude, “The results of this study suggest that smoke produced by burning these local plant species has a repellent effect on the number of mosquitos attacking man.” They stress that smoke should not be relied upon as the sole means of preventing mosquito bites but should be used in conjunction with other forms of protection.  

Note: This study shows another way of fighting these mosquito minions in your backyard. However, you might have to experiment with burning plants that are suggested and available here in the United States to get the results you’re after. 

Does Incense Repel Bugs?

While incense may create smoke and strong odors that could potentially deter mosquitoes,  there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness as a reliable mosquito repellent. Masking the human scent might offer minor benefits, but it shouldn’t be solely relied upon to protect against mosquito bites.

How Can I Keep Mosquitoes Away From My Patio?

According to horticulture specialist Gary Bachman from Mississippi State University Extension (MSU), herbs that have some scientific evidence of repelling mosquitoes are:

• Lemongrass 
• Bee balm 
• Lemon balm 
• Lemon thyme 

Other plants that repel mosquitoes may include rosemary, basil, lavender, mint, and catnip. (Cats love catnip, though, so beware!)

Note: A plant’s mosquito-repelling properties are most effective when they are burned or pressed into essential oils. Planting them around your lawn won’t repel mosquitoes.

Will Certain Types of Mulch Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Your landscape beds might smell like your grandma’s cedar chest, but cedar mulch will help keep mosquitoes at bay. Apparently, mosquitoes wouldn’t want to hang out near your grandmother’s cedar chest, either. They can’t stand the smell! 

Call In The Pros 

If you’ve exhausted all your efforts as a mere mortal in your quest to annihilate the mosquito minions, call the pros for backup! Pest Gnome connects you to the best pest control experts in your area to help you succeed in the fight to reclaim your kingdom (your yard). 

Photo Credit: Justin Smith / Canva Pro / License

Harley Grandone

Harley Grandone, a writer and landscape designer, enjoys writing blogs. After 20+ years of being a landscape designer for major residential home builders like Toll Brothers, she’s delighted to combine her love of writing with her love of the industry. When not writing, she can be found in the backyard trying to devise new ways to control mosquitoes and prevent the sycamore tree's bark from clogging up the gutters.