8 Things I Do to Keep Mosquitoes from Taking Over My Backyard

Mosquitoes can make a perfectly good backyard almost unusable in the summer. We’ve dealt with the swarms, the bites, and the constant buzzing around your ears—and we finally figured out what works and what’s a waste of time. It’s not about one magic fix. It’s a handful of habits that, when done consistently, actually keep things under control.

If you’re trying to enjoy your porch, your garden, or even just walk to the trash without getting chewed up, these are the things that help.

I Dump Standing Water Weekly

Anything that holds even a few ounces of water can turn into a mosquito nursery fast. I check flower pot saucers, kids’ toys, buckets, and birdbaths at least once a week.

Even the tiniest bit of water can be enough for them to lay eggs, so I dump it all, rinse if needed, and flip things over if they’re not in use. It’s one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take.

I Use a Fan on the Porch

Mosquitoes aren’t strong fliers, and a box fan on low is enough to keep them from hovering around your seating area. I’ve kept one out on the porch every summer, and it really does help.

Plus, it keeps the air moving, which is nice when it’s hot out anyway. It doesn’t kill them, but it makes the space way less comfortable for them—which is the whole point.

I Mow and Trim the Yard Regularly

Tall grass, overgrown beds, and thick shrubs give mosquitoes plenty of places to hide and rest. Keeping everything trimmed back helps cut down on shady, damp areas they like to hang out in.

I pay extra attention to the areas around the fence line, under the deck, and behind the shed—places that tend to get ignored but are mosquito favorites if left untouched.

I Use Mosquito Dunks in Problem Spots

There are a couple of areas in our yard that tend to hold water no matter what—like a low corner of the property or the rain barrel. That’s where I drop mosquito dunks.

They’re safe for pets and wildlife but stop mosquito larvae from developing. I use them sparingly and only where needed, but they’ve helped in those spots we just can’t keep totally dry.

I Don’t Rely on Tiki Torches Alone

They look nice, and citronella smells like summer, but those torches don’t actually do much on their own. I still use them for ambiance, but I don’t count on them to handle the bugs.

Instead, I combine them with other tactics—like fans and trimming—to actually make a difference. The torches are more decorative than functional, and that’s fine as long as you know it.

I Keep the Gutters Clear

Clogged gutters are a sneaky source of mosquito trouble. Water backs up and creates little pools they can breed in, especially if the weather’s been rainy.

We clean the gutters every spring and check them again mid-summer if it’s been stormy. It’s not a fun job, but it’s worth it when it keeps the bugs down around the house.

I Don’t Water Late in the Day

If the yard stays damp overnight, it gives mosquitoes a better shot at sticking around. I try to water in the morning so things have a chance to dry before evening.

It helps the grass and plants too, so it’s a win-win. Less moisture overnight means fewer places for mosquitoes to rest and hide the next day.

I Use Repellent Strategically

When I know we’re going to be outside in the evening, I use bug spray—but I don’t always spray head to toe. I hit the ankles, wrists, and neck—just enough to keep them off the usual biting spots.

It’s not something I use every time I step outside, but on high mosquito days, it’s part of the routine. Combined with the other stuff, it keeps the backyard usable without feeling like a full-scale battle.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.