Dump the water every week
Mosquitoes lay eggs in or near standing water, and it doesn't take much. Once a week, tip out anything that holds water.
- Buckets, toys, wheelbarrows and pet bowls left outside
- Plant saucers and pots without drainage
- Tarps, grill covers and trash can lids
- Birdbaths (change the water) and clogged gutters
Make the yard less inviting
- Trim tall grass and thick shrubs where mosquitoes rest in the shade.
- Run a fan on the patio; mosquitoes are weak fliers.
- Fix leaky outdoor faucets and low spots that hold water.
Protect yourself
Use an EPA-registered insect repellent when you're outside, and follow the label. Long sleeves help at dawn and dusk, when many mosquitoes bite.
Professional yard treatments
Pest control companies treat the shady places where mosquitoes rest, usually on a recurring schedule through the warm months. It works best combined with getting rid of standing water.