Summer’s arrival means it’s time to embrace the outdoors. Whether you prefer dining on the patio, camping, or bouncing from the farmer’s market to a block party, you’re bound to be spending quality time outside. Unfortunately, summer also brings a host of pesky insects. Mosquitos are among the worst, stealthily flying around and biting you while you’re trying to enjoy an al fresco dinner or evening swim. While their occurrence may be annoying, it’s no coincidence. Learning how to get rid of mosquitoes is no easy feat and requires some knowledge and strategic planning.

Takeaways New Hide ▲

Grow lavender, basil, or mint

in pots to naturally

repel mosquitoes outdoors

Use lemon eucalyptus or

lavender oil sprays as

natural mosquito repellents

Remove standing water in

yard to stop mosquito

breeding near your home

Bats and other animals

help control outdoor

mosquito populations naturally

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Like many of the seasonal insects, mosquitoes tend to go unnoticed until they land on you. Smacking the bug against your skin is helpful in the moment, but won’t solve the problem long term. Citronella lamps are beneficial for keeping them at bay. However, it’s best to nip this problem at the source and ensure that your yard stays mosquito-free all summer. If you’re ready to do just that, keep reading to see what draws mosquitoes and how to ward off these pesky insects for good.

What Attracts Mosquitoes to Yards?

If mosquitoes plague your yard, it’s likely because it’s just as much their home as it is yours. Mosquitos are known to keep to the territory they’re raised in and don’t often stray far from larval sites. Think this sounds intense? You’re not wrong. When a particular area is swarming with insects, it usually means they have a nest nearby. In the case of mosquitoes, it’s the area where the bugs develop. Mosquitoes lay their eggs and grow in stagnant pools of water, which can include puddles, bird baths, and swimming pools.

Standing water is the first sign of a mosquito problem, but it’s not the only issue to be aware of. Large areas of brush with dense vegetation and tall grasses can be just as inviting. While they’re not breeding sites, they do serve as a place to hide and rest. If your yard has large bushes or grassy plants as part of its landscape design, it could draw insects and cause a potential problem.

What Attracts Mosquitoes to Dining Areas?

Uncovered food is sure to draw a collection of unwanted bugs. When it comes to mosquitoes, your plate of BBQ is only half the problem. The insects are known to be drawn to sugary foods like desserts loaded with icing or pies. The sweet treats are reminiscent of flower nectar, which is a source of food for them. They are also largely attracted to the carbon dioxide we expel when breathing. At outdoor events where the food, drinks, and conversation are constantly flowing, there’s bound to be lots of carbon dioxide in the air, making it the ideal setting for mosquitoes.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

Now that you’re equipped with why mosquitoes are dwelling in your backyard, you can easily form a plan to get rid of them. If you have a swimming pool, try adding floating lamps in the evening, which will keep the water moving a bit and prevent it from becoming a nesting area for mosquitoes. Keeping dining areas tidy is also crucial when having a gathering. Make sure there are ample trash sites away from crowds, and keep dishes covered with lids and foil when not in use. These may feel like extra steps, but they will go a long way to keeping your yard pest-free.