9 Overlooked Spots Mosquitoes Could Be Breeding
Finding them is the first step to limiting their havoc.
Like it or not, we’ve had to learn to coexist with mosquitoes, and the insects aren’t going away anytime soon. “Mosquitoes are survivors,” says Elmer Gray, entomologist and public health specialist at the University of Georgia. “It’s estimated that mosquitoes have been around for 110 million years, which is documented by their presence in ancient Baltic ambers.”
Of course, they’re a nuisance when mowing the lawn or during backyard barbecues, but it's not just about preventing their itchy bites. Mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases such as West Nile virus, several types of encephalitis, and, less commonly, occasional localized outbreaks of dengue, says Gray.
Fortunately, even with 180 known species of mosquitoes in North America, there’s plenty you can do to minimize populations around your home. Some species are not strong fliers, so they stay close to the area where they initially develop. “All mosquitoes require standing water to develop, and this is the part of their life cycle we can affect,” says Gray. “The female lays the eggs in water, and they develop into larvae, then into biting adults.”
Clean water isn’t the issue. Female mosquitoes are attracted to murky water with biological activity from decomposing materials such as leaves, bird droppings, or algae, which provides nutrients for larval survival, says Gray. Generally, mosquitoes develop from egg to adult in about a week, depending on climate temperature. Emptying standing water sources around your home about every five to seven days can help break that cycle.
While your best defense is to wear EPA-approved repellents, which have been tested for safety and efficacy, knowing where mosquitoes could be breeding and lurking in your yard and around your home can help you limit their numbers.
Saucers or trays under plant pots
This environment is ideal for mosquito development because it captures the overflow of water from planters, then just sits there getting icky. Dump out the saucers every few days, or don’t use them at all, says Gray.
Plants that hold water
Plants that hold water, such as bromeliads or lucky bamboo, may cause issues. “They can actually make mosquito problems worse by offering a breeding site for mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti or Culex quinquefasciatus, which can utilize those small water sources,” says Johnalyn Gordon, Ph.D., assistant professor, urban entomology, at the University of Florida/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. “They don’t need much. One teaspoon of water can be enough for them to complete their life cycle.”
Protective covers on grills or other items
If you use covers or tarps over items such as grills, firewood stacks, boats, or other outdoor items, you’re offering a perfect spot for breeding mosquitoes. Even during a drought, sprinkler heads may allow water to accumulate in these spots, so check them regularly, says Gray.
Rain barrels
Rain barrels should always have screens, but you can also toss in mosquito dunks containing a naturally occurring bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis (Bti). This kills mosquito larvae and is specific to mosquitoes and other biting pests, but won’t harm bees, fish, frogs, people or pets, says Gray.
Birdbaths
Birdbaths are a fun way to support the well-being of local birds, but keep them clean. Rinsing and scrubbing them everyfew days—or more often in hot weather, if algae grows, or if a bird has soiled the water—will prevent the development of mosquito larvae and adults, says Gray. It’s OK to add Bti to birdbaths, too, especially if you’re going out of town and won’t be around to clean the bath regularly.
Anything made of molded plastic
Any type of rigid plastic that may have pockets that hold water should be checked. “Garbage cans are common larval habitats. When upright, the waste residues produce a nutrient-rich broth; when turned upside down, the rims catch water and hold it for long periods when in protected areas,” says Gray. This goes for other items, too, such as kiddie pools and toys, buckets, or anything else left to collect water for a period of time.
Pooling water from outdoor leaks
Pooling water around leaky sprinkler heads or water control boxes for irrigation systems can provide water for breeding, especially in dry regions or during drought, says Gray. Keep an eye on these systems and do maintenance checks so you aren’t wasting water or providing resources for mosquitoes. Also, pay attention to dripping outdoor faucets or even air conditioning units that allow water to puddle beneath them.
Tall grasses and groundcovers
The biting adults find all kinds of places to hide in your landscaping. “Adult mosquitoes are susceptible to drying out,” says Gray. “As a result, adults will commonly hide in dense vegetation or protected areas that will keep them out of the sun until a potential host approaches or closer to the dawn and dusk periods.” That includes groundcovers such as English ivy (Hedera helix) or thickets of privet (Ligustrum spp.) near drainage swales and low-lying areas in neighborhoods.
Under decks and porches
The protected area under decks and porches can also serve as a harborage area that is out of sight and out of mind. First, eliminate standing water and dense vegetation in these spots.
In addition, if significant nuisance mosquitoes are present or disease transmission has been reported in the vicinity, targeted adulticide applications could be conducted, or a licensed pest control professional could be contracted to treat the harborage area, says Gray.
Be mindful that products should not be applied to flowering vegetation, and applications should be conducted closer to sunset to avoid impacting pollinators.
Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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