9 Backyard Features That Are a Bug Magnet in Summer

If you’ve ever sat in your backyard and wondered why it feels like every bug in the county showed up for the party, you’re not wrong. Certain backyard features practically scream “free food and shelter” to mosquitoes, flies, wasps, gnats, and more.

The worst part is, a lot of the things that attract bugs are common in well-meaning backyard setups. Knowing what draws them in is half the battle—you can fix most of it fast without ditching the fun stuff.

Standing Water

Nothing brings mosquitoes in faster than standing water. Whether it’s a birdbath, a clogged gutter, or a flowerpot tray, stagnant water gives them the perfect place to lay eggs.

You don’t have to eliminate water features altogether. Keep water moving in fountains, empty kiddie pools daily, and tip anything that holds water after rain. Even something small like a frisbee left upside down can be a problem.

Dense Landscaping and Overgrown Shrubs

Thick shrubs, tall grass, and overgrown garden beds are bug heaven. Mosquitoes and gnats especially love shady, cool places where the humidity stays high.

Trimming shrubs, thinning plants, and keeping grass cut to a healthy height cuts down on their hiding spots. Better airflow dries things out, and a tidy yard is way less attractive to most pests.

Compost Bins

Compost is great for your garden, but it’s also a magnet for flies and gnats if it’s not managed right. Food scraps, moisture, and decomposing material are exactly what they want.

Make sure your compost is balanced—equal parts green (wet) and brown (dry) materials. Keep it turned so it doesn’t get soggy, and use a closed bin if flies are a problem.

Trash Cans and Recycling Bins

Even with lids, trash cans and recycling bins can attract bugs fast, especially if they have food residue or liquid pooling inside.

Give your bins a rinse every so often. Check for cracked lids or anything that keeps them from sealing well. Keeping them clean and closed tight goes a long way toward cutting down flies and bees hanging out around them.

Pet Food and Water Bowls

Leaving pet food or water outside for too long is an open invitation for ants, flies, wasps, and even roaches. Wet food especially turns into a bug buffet in the summer heat.

If your pets eat outside, bring bowls in when they’re done. Dump standing water daily, and try to avoid leaving any food sitting out longer than needed.

Fruit Trees and Garden Beds

Ripe or fallen fruit, veggies, and even flowers can attract bees, wasps, ants, and fruit flies. Gardens also tend to hold moisture, which mosquitoes love.

Pick ripe fruit quickly and remove anything that’s fallen. Keep garden beds tidy, and try to control standing water from overwatering or leaky hoses.

Outdoor Lighting

Certain types of outdoor lights are a bug magnet, especially warm-toned bulbs. Lights placed near seating areas pretty much guarantee you’re eating dinner with gnats and moths.

Swap to yellow “bug” bulbs or cool-toned LEDs that attract fewer insects. Also try placing lights farther away from patios or decks and angle them downward to cut the glow bugs are drawn to.

Open Compost Piles or Yard Debris

Piles of grass clippings, leaves, or dead branches hold moisture and create shady hideouts for all sorts of pests, from mosquitoes to gnats to beetles.

Bag yard waste quickly or compost it properly. Leaving piles to sit all summer means giving bugs exactly what they want—cool, damp shelter.

Kiddie Pools, Water Toys, and Splash Pads

Anything that holds water is mosquito central. Pools, splash pads, buckets, and even sandbox covers can turn into breeding grounds in just a few days.

Drain and tip toys when they’re not in use. Splash pads should dry completely between uses. If it can hold water, make sure it isn’t sitting full when no one’s using it.

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