How to Prevent Mosquitoes Near Water
Things You'll Need
- Mosquito-eating fish
- Aerator for pools
- Larvicide
- Insecticide
Instructions
-
-
1
Remove debris that holds standing water. Beverage cans, buckets, tires, and tarps commonly contain stagnant water.
-
2
Empty any trashcans, boats, flowerpot bottoms, and wheelbarrows. Flip these items over when they are not in use.
-
3
Clean out the rain gutters. If the gutters are clogged, they are likely to have areas with stagnant water.
-
4
Repair any faucets or air conditioners that leak water. These leaks create puddles over time.
-
5
Change the water in garden ponds and birdbaths regularly.
-
6
Fill any garden ponds or ornamental pools with mosquito-eating fish. These fish eat mosquito eggs which are laid on the surface of standing water. Mosquito fish, koi, sarasa comets or shubunkins are examples of mosquito-eating fish.
-
7
Place a bat house near the water source. Bats are known to eat over 600 mosquitoes an hour. Most bat houses are occupied within a year of placement.
-
8
Add an aerator to swimming pools or ponds. Mosquitoes prefer standing water, so any agitation will prevent egg-laying.
-
9
Add a larvicide to any standing water. Examples are Mosquito Dunks, PreStrike Granules, and Mosquito Quick Kill Granules. Follow the instructions on the label.
-
10
Apply insecticides targeted for mosquitoes to areas around the water. Many are ready to use by connecting to a garden hose and spraying.
-
1