10 Things to Check Before You Blame the Mosquitoes

Before you blame every bug bite on mosquitoes, it’s worth taking a closer look around. Yes, mosquitoes are active in the summer, but they’re not the only culprits making you itchy or ruining your time outside. Other insects and even your own habits can be part of the problem.

If you feel like you’re under attack every time you step outside, these are the things to check first before pointing the finger at mosquitoes.

You’ve Got Chiggers in the Grass

If you’ve been sitting or walking through tall grass or around the edge of your yard and end up with red, itchy welts—especially around tight clothing areas—you might be dealing with chiggers, not mosquitoes. These microscopic mites latch on and cause serious irritation.

Keep your grass mowed and avoid lounging in thick, shaded areas. A quick rinse and change of clothes after being outside can help wash them off before they do damage.

There’s Standing Water Somewhere

Yes, this one involves mosquitoes, but it’s not the flying adults—it’s the babies you’re accidentally breeding. Even a bottle cap of stagnant water can turn into a mosquito nursery. Check birdbaths, gutters, buckets, toys, and plant trays.

Dump anything that doesn’t drain and scrub it if there’s slime. Refresh water features often and keep your gutters clear. If you’re seeing more mosquitoes, chances are they didn’t fly in—they were born in your backyard.

You’re Wearing Scented Lotion or Perfume

Strong scents can make you a walking insect magnet. Mosquitoes, gnats, and even flies are all drawn to floral or fruity body sprays, scented sunscreens, and heavily perfumed lotions.

If you’re planning to be outside for any length of time, skip the sweet smells. Use unscented skin products and switch to a bug spray with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus if you need protection.

Your Outdoor Lighting Is All Wrong

Mosquitoes aren’t the only thing circling your porch light. Moths, midges, and gnats are just as likely to come swarming. If you’ve got warm-toned or white lights on outside, you’re asking for it.

Swap them for yellow or LED bug-repelling bulbs, especially near sitting areas. And keep lights off when you’re not outside—they’ll only lure more bugs in overnight.

You Have a Tick Problem

Ticks don’t fly, but they do bite—and it’s easy to mistake their bites for mosquito bites at first. If you’ve been near woods, leaf piles, or even overgrown areas of your own yard, check yourself thoroughly.

Use tick repellent and wear longer clothing when in brushy areas. Keep your grass trimmed and your yard clear of debris. A tick problem starts small but can get serious fast.

You’re Letting the Trash Sit Too Long

Flies love trash—and their bites hurt. If you’ve been seeing more bugs around your porch or garage, your trash could be the issue. Rotting food, especially meat and fruit scraps, sends out strong signals to all the wrong insects.

Keep bins sealed and emptied regularly. Hose them out if they start to smell, and make sure you’re not leaving bags or scraps lying beside the cans.

There’s Pet Waste in the Yard

Dog poop heats up in the sun and gets real stinky, real fast. That’s a beacon for flies and gnats. And once they’re there, they’ll stick around to pester you too.

If you’ve got pets, scoop daily—especially in the summer. It’s one of the easiest ways to cut down on biting flies and keep your outdoor space more bearable.

You’re Watering at the Wrong Time

Watering late in the day leaves your lawn and plants damp into the evening, which is peak bug time. Mosquitoes, gnats, and other biting insects love that moisture and will linger longer when there’s damp ground to land on.

Water early in the morning so everything has time to dry out before dusk. Your grass will be healthier too, which doesn’t hurt.

Your Yard Has Dense Shrubs and Overgrowth

Bugs love places to hide. Thick, untrimmed shrubs, overgrown garden beds, and cluttered corners give insects a place to stay cool and wait for their next snack—you.

Trim back hedges, weed regularly, and open up airflow around your yard. The fewer hiding spots there are, the fewer bugs will hang around.

You’re Outside During Peak Bug Hours

If you’re sitting outside at dusk or early dawn and feel like you’re being eaten alive, it might not be a full-on infestation—it could just be the worst time to be out. Mosquitoes, gnats, and midges all peak during low-light hours.

Plan outdoor time around the sun. If you’re out early or late, cover up and use bug spray. You might not have a mosquito problem—just bad timing.

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