Every backyard enthusiast knows the challenge of keeping mosquitoes at bay. No matter what you try, it often feels like someone ends up with bites by the end of the night. While we can't completely eliminate mosquitoes—there are over 3,500 species worldwide, with more than 400 in the U.S.—there are effective ways to prevent them from ruining your next outdoor gathering and keep those pesky bites at a minimum.

Why & When Mosquitoes Bite

It may feel like mosquitoes have a personal vendetta against us, but the truth is, we're not their top target. "Many mosquitoes wouldn't bite humans—they prefer frogs, birds, and lizards," says Dina Fonseca, PhD. "However, over time, mosquitoes have adapted to recognize us as a reliable source of blood." This is especially true for invasive species like the Asian tiger mosquito, which is particularly aggressive and likely to bite you. "These mosquitoes thrive because they face few natural predators and can easily exploit their environment."

Despite their annoying bites, mosquitoes play a vital role in the ecosystem, feeding bats, birds, fish, and other insects, as well as helping pollinate plants. Female mosquitoes, the only ones that bite, need blood to nourish their eggs. "They use the blood to support the development of their eggs," Fonseca explains.

Active Times

Mosquitoes are most active during hot weather, so in the U.S., their peak season runs from June through September. In terms of time of day, mosquitoes tend to be most active in the early morning and evening. While some species may also be active during the day, early mornings and dusk are when you're most likely to encounter them.

Preventing Mosquitoes

Making your yard less inviting to mosquitoes is simpler than you think—and it doesn’t always require spending money. Here are effective ways to discourage mosquitoes from setting up shop in your outdoor space.

Remove All Standing Water

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s crucial to remove all standing water. "No water, no mosquitoes," says Dina Fonseca, PhD. Even the smallest puddle can lead to a mosquito infestation. "We're talking about a yogurt container, saucers under plants, planters without drainage holes, and even accordion extension pipes for gutters," Fonseca explains. Mosquitoes can breed in the tiniest amount of water, so check for any stagnant water and dispose of it properly.

Be cautious with recycling bins, as rainwater can collect in bottles and cans, providing prime real estate for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. If you store cans outside, consider drilling small holes in the bottoms to prevent water accumulation.

Clean Gutters

Clogged gutters create standing water, a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Water filled with decaying leaves and debris is especially enticing, as it’s rich in nutrients. Clean your gutters twice a year—late spring and fall are ideal—and consider installing gutter guards to prevent future buildup.

Plant Naturally Repellent Foliage

Certain plants naturally repel mosquitoes. Consider adding lavender, lemongrass, citronella grass, lemon thyme, rosemary, basil, or even catnip to your garden to help keep mosquitoes at bay.

Maintain Yours Swimming Pools

Standing water in swimming pools attracts mosquitoes, but proper pool maintenance can prevent infestations. Chlorine kills larvae, while circulating the water drives mosquitoes away since they prefer still water. Keeping your pool clean of debris removes mosquito nutrients, reducing the chances of a mosquito colony taking root.

Set up a Fire Pit

Mosquitoes—and many other pests—dislike smoke, so lighting a fire pit is a great way to keep them away while enjoying a campfire.

Declutter Yard

Old junk like tires, unused grills, or broken outdoor furniture can collect water and become breeding sites for mosquitoes. Clear out any clutter to eliminate potential mosquito havens.

Fill Tree Holes

Check trees for water-filled holes, as these can serve as breeding grounds. Use expanding foam to seal the holes without harming the tree, but avoid using concrete, sand, or gravel, as these materials can prevent drainage and damage the tree.

Talk to Neighbors

Mosquitoes don’t follow property lines, so it’s important to get your neighbors involved in mosquito prevention. If they have standing water or potential breeding sites, mosquitoes may spread to your yard. A friendly conversation can ensure your whole neighborhood is on board with mosquito control.

Call the Local Mosquito Control Program

Many counties offer mosquito control programs that can help treat areas where mosquitoes breed, such as marshes or stagnant water. If you’re experiencing a heavy mosquito problem, reach out to local authorities for assistance. Keep in mind that climate change can affect mosquito distribution, so hotspots for mosquitoes may shift over time.

Controlling Mosquito Numbers

While prevention is key, sometimes you find yourself dealing with an existing mosquito problem. If your yard has turned into a mosquito hotspot, here are some methods to control and reduce their numbers.

Encourage Natural Predators

Several natural predators can help reduce mosquito populations. To attract them to your yard, consider adding bird feeders and baths for birds that prey on mosquitoes. If you have a pond, fish like goldfish and bluegills eat mosquito larvae. Bats are another great natural predator, and installing a bat house can help keep your mosquito problem in check.

Use Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

If you're looking for a more natural option, lemon eucalyptus oil can be a highly effective mosquito repellent. This oil was shown to be one of the best performers in a study published in the Journal of Insect Science. It worked almost as well as DEET but without some of the harsher chemical reactions, making it a good alternative for sensitive individuals.

Set a Mosquito Trap

Bug zappers are popular, but a DIY mosquito trap can be even more effective. You’ll need two different-sized buckets, sticky tape or flypaper, and a few extra ingredients. Add water, a bit of grass or yeast to attract mosquitoes, then coat the sides of the container with canola oil and hang flypaper inside. This setup will trap mosquitoes as they try to enter and lay eggs.

Use Mosquito Repellent

For effective mosquito repellent, DEET-based products are proven to be the most successful at keeping mosquitoes away. DEET doesn’t kill mosquitoes but instead masks the scent of humans, making it hard for them to detect you. While DEET may seem harsh, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirm that it’s safe for most people when used properly, including children.

Bring Out a Fan

Running a fan creates enough airflow to hinder a mosquito’s ability to fly, which can keep them from biting you. However, they can still find ways to land—especially if you’re not directly in front of the fan. To increase the effectiveness, use multiple fans around the perimeter of your outdoor area, creating a more consistent breeze that limits mosquitoes' access to you.

What Doesn’t Work to Repel Mosquitoes

While there are plenty of mosquito repellents out there, not all of them are effective. Here’s a look at some commonly used deterrents that don’t live up to their reputation.

1. Citronella Candles

Citronella candles, often touted as a mosquito repellent, don’t actually work. A 2017 study found that citronella candles do little to deter mosquitoes. While they might create a pleasant aroma for humans, they won’t keep mosquitoes at bay, so you might want to consider other options for mosquito protection.

2. Mosquito Treatment Services

Although many companies offer mosquito treatments for your yard, there’s still uncertainty about their effectiveness. As Dina Fonseca, PhD, points out, there’s very little research proving how well these services work. Often, their methods target adult mosquitoes, but treating mosquitoes at the larvae stage with larvicides is far more effective.

Additionally, these treatments can harm beneficial insects in your yard. Pesticides used by mosquito treatment companies can kill helpful bugs, such as bees, ladybugs, and predatory insects, potentially leading to an increase in other pests like aphids and whiteflies.