How to Prevent Mosquitoes Near Water

Mosquitoes are a hindrance to the outdoor lifestyle. The most common annoyance is caused by their bites, however they can also transmit serious diseases. Female mosquitoes plant their larva in tiny pockets of water such as garden ponds, birdbaths, and puddles. Treating standing water and minimizing the areas that mosquitoes breed is essential in order to keep the mosquito population near your home at bay. While it's impossible to completely eradicate mosquito populations, it is possible to minimize the mosquito habitat.

Things You'll Need

• Mosquito-eating fish
• Aerator for pools
• Larvicide
• Insecticide

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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.