Mosquitoes are the ultimate party crashers. These pesky bugs always seem to invite themselves over, ruining backyard BBQs and pool parties with their annoying presence and itchy bites. If mosquitoes treat your outdoor space like their own private hangout, you might be doing something to attract them without realizing it.
Simply living near lakes, marshes, or wooded areas puts you at higher risk for dealing with mosquitoes. But there are also steps you can take around your own yard to discourage mosquitoes. Here are five ways you could be attracting mosquitoes and what to do about it.
Standing Water
Mosquitoes need stagnant water to lay their eggs. Even small amounts of standing water like bird baths, plant saucers, or kiddie pools are breeding grounds. Routinely drain any containers after rain and make sure gutters aren't clogged. For larger water features, use a pump or fountain to keep the water circulating.
Tall Plants and Grass
Overgrown vegetation gives mosquitoes plenty of shady, humid places to rest during the day and breed at night. Cut your lawn regularly and trim shrubs, weeds, and tall grass around the perimeter of your yard. This increases sunlight and airflow to reduce mosquito hangouts.
Mosquito-Attracting Plants
Female mosquitoes detect fresh plant growth and nectar sources from long distances. Flowering vegetation attracts mosquitoes looking for sweet nectar. Consider replacing heavily flowering plants and fruit trees with non-fruiting, low-maintenance varieties.
Open Trash
Rotting fruit, vegetables, and other organic waste materials draw mosquitoes. Ensure all trash containers have secure, tight-fitting lids and empty them regularly. Allowing smelly garbage to pile up will create a gathering place for swarms of mosquitoes.
Good-Smelling Yard
It's ironic but making your yard too fragrant can also attract unwanted mosquitoes. They pick up on the scent of things like recently cut grass, barbecue smoke, and botanicals like lavender and jasmine.
To counter this, you can use outdoor mosquito repellent diffusers that feature a scent that repels mosquitoes or insects. You can also scatter cedar mulch or wood chips in your yard, making sure to replace them when the smell starts to go away.
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