How To Prevent Mosquitoes In Your Yard​

The U.S. is home to over 170 recognized species of mosquitoes – so chances are good that you’ve dealt with the buzzing, annoying, biting insects when you try to spend time outdoors. The resulting itchy bites serve as a lasting reminder of the mosquito population in your yard.

Mosquitoes are drawn to areas in your backyard or garden where they can breed and need access to a source of stagnant water. To prevent mosquitoes in your yard, it’s important to limit the number of potential breeding grounds. But keep in mind that bringing on professional mosquito control is the most effective method.

10 Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Yard in Mid-South TN

Removing potential mosquito-breeding sites from your backyard is critical to reducing the number of mosquitoes in your yard. The best things you can do to keep mosquitoes away from your yard include:

1. Eliminate stagnant water. Get rid of standing water in buckets, flower pots, bird baths, tarps, and more. Mosquitoes use standing water to lay their eggs.
2. Consider getting fish for ponds and agitating the water. Certain types of fish will feed on mosquito larvae. Alternatively, adding an agitator will stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water.
3. Place screens on windows and doors. Installing screens on your doors and windows can keep mosquitoes from getting indoors every time you try to get some fresh air.
4. Keep a tidy yard. Regularly maintain your garden and lawn to keep the grass short. Also, keep plants and bushes trimmed to prevent mosquito resting spots.
5. Install fans. Mosquitoes hate wind and are not strong fliers. Use fans to help force them away from your outdoor areas.
6. Inspect your yard regularly. Always look for potential mosquito breeding grounds and eliminate them. You may consider hiring your local mosquito control experts for assistance.
7. Use outdoor fans. Considering mosquitoes are weak fliers, air currents from fans can push mosquitoes out and disperse the carbon monoxide we exhale.
8. Add mosquito netting. By adding netting to your doors and windows, you place a barrier around your space to keep the invading mosquitoes out. This netting also prevents other insects from getting into your home.
9. Use bug spray. Many EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET or Picaridin are available on the market. Use any insect repellent in accordance with the supplier’s instructions.
10. Hire a pest control company. Professional home pest control services safely and effectively manage mosquitoes by treating your yard and advising on preventive strategies, ensuring family and pet safety.

DIY Mosquito Prevention Don’ts

While there are some DIY methods that may work for you, many methods do not work. Steer away from these mosquito prevention tactics:

• Citronella Candles: While these candles are great for ambiance and saving electricity, they do little for repelling mosquitoes long-term. They need to be replaced often as they lose potency quickly. These candles are effective for a short amount of time and only if you are directly next to the candle.
• Coffee Grounds: There is no solid evidence that burning coffee grounds or spreading the grounds around your yard works  in repelling mosquitoes. Instead, use the grounds in your compost bin for the garden!
• Bug Zappers: Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale and our body heat. Bug zappers do not have either of these qualities going for them. Instead, these zappers can kill natural predators of mosquitoes and other good-doing insects.

Why Do I Have So Many Mosquitoes in My Backyard?

Generally, mosquitoes will invade your backyard if they find suitable breeding grounds. Removing potential breeding sites is critical to reducing the number of mosquitoes in your yard, so it’s crucial to eliminate things that may attract mosquitoes.

Mid-South TN is a region with a humid climate in the summer – so you can be sure to experience a flux of mosquito problems. Also, if you live near heavily wooded areas, you may also experience more mosquitoes. 

Keep in mind that traditional methods like bug trappers or zappers aren’t great at significantly reducing mosquito populations in your yard. These can be expensive to use and difficult to maintain though may provide some psychological comfort. The most common causes of mosquitoes coming into your yard include:

1. Stagnant water (bird baths and drip trays in flower pots)
2. Leaves and trash in drainage areas (like gutters)
3. Leaky faucets
4. Open trash containers
5. Uncovered firewood or swimming pools
6. Broken window screens
7. Long grass and shrubs

Mosquito-Repelling Plants to Grow in Your Yard

While you don’t want a vegetation overgrowth to create hiding spots, some plants may naturally help repel the pesky bugs. Some plants have strong smells, and their scent may discourage mosquitoes from coming near your yard.

Create planting beds around your outdoor patio and entertaining area. Fill them with mosquito-repelling plants to help create a barrier that discourages mosquitoes.

You can also grow these plants in containers and place them strategically on your patio or deck. Make sure you don’t let water collect in the sauces, though, or you’ll create a spot for breeding mosquitoes.

Try these options:

• Lemon balm
• Lemongrass
• Lavender
• Basil
• Marigolds
• Geranium

Even if the plants don’t keep all of the mosquitoes away, you still end up with a beautiful garden area around your patio. Choose mosquito-repelling plants based on your preferences for appearance and scent, especially if you spend a lot of time outside.

How Does Professional Mosquito Control Prevent Infestations in Your Yard?

Mosquito control professionals know how to prevent and kill mosquitoes at all stages of life, from eggs to adults. They also know how to safely handle the chemicals that are needed to deal with serious mosquito infestations.

Expert mosquito exterminators like ours at Inman-Murphy, Inc. come to your property to inspect it and formulate a plan that meets your needs. We’ll work with you to prevent mosquitoes in your yard with repellents, treatments, and more. 

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, mosquito populations flourish and lead to unhealthy infestations. If the aforementioned mosquito prevention tips haven’t effectively prevented an infestation in your yard, it’s time to call your local mosquito exterminators. 

The Best Mosquito Control & Prevention for Your Yard

The never-ending fight against mosquitoes can leave you drained from keeping up with the DIY methods you choose. Spend your spring and summer months worry-free with the help of Inman-Murphy, Inc.. 

If you find yourself in an unbearable mosquito situation in your yard, contact the experts at Inman-Murphy, Inc. for eco-friendly extermination services. Our dedicated technicians have the skills and resources to safely reduce or remove mosquitoes from your property. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation!