In this guide
Quick answer
Dump or scrub anything holding water once a week — mosquitoes can go from egg to adult in about a week, and some breed in containers as small as a bottle cap. Use Bti dunks (a natural bacterium that kills mosquito larvae) in water you can’t empty, like rain barrels and ponds. Put a fan on the patio, keep screens in good repair, and use an EPA-registered repellent on skin. Bug zappers and most ultrasonic gadgets don’t reduce mosquito bites.
Mosquito bites are more than itchy. In the US, mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus and, in some southern areas, dengue; worldwide they spread many more diseases. If you want to keep mosquitoes away from your yard, the most effective control happens before mosquitoes ever fly — by removing the water they breed in.
Step 1: The weekly water check (most important)
Walk around your yard once a week and empty, scrub, turn over, cover or throw out anything that holds water:
- plant saucers and pots
- buckets, watering cans, toys, wheelbarrows
- old tires
- bird baths (change water and scrub weekly)
- pet water bowls outside
- tarps and pool covers
- clogged gutters and downspout extensions
- tree holes and stumps
- trash and recycling bin lids
Scrubbing matters for containers because Aedes mosquitoes lay eggs just above the waterline, and eggs can survive drying out.
Step 2: Treat water you can’t empty
For rain barrels, ornamental ponds, drainage ditches and unused pools, use products containing Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae. It’s widely used in public mosquito control and, used as directed, isn’t harmful to people, pets, fish or birds.
Also screen rain barrel openings with fine mesh, and keep pond water moving with a pump or fountain.
Step 3: Make your outdoor space less bite-friendly
- Use a fan. Mosquitoes are weak fliers; a fan blowing across a patio or deck noticeably reduces bites.
- Cut back dense vegetation where adult mosquitoes rest in the day.
- Spatial repellent devices (such as those using metofluthrin or allethrin) can help in a small, still seating area. Follow the label.
- Yellow “bug” light bulbs attract fewer insects to the area than white bulbs.
Step 4: Protect your skin
The CDC recommends EPA-registered repellents containing one of these:
| Active ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| DEET | Long-established; higher % lasts longer, not stronger |
| Picaridin | Odorless, doesn’t damage plastics |
| IR3535 | Gentle on skin |
| Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) / PMD | Plant-based; not for children under 3 |
| 2-undecanone | Plant-derived |
Apply sunscreen first, then repellent. Treat clothing (not skin) with permethrin for extra protection.
Step 5: Keep them out of the house
- Repair holes in window and door screens.
- Keep doors closed at dawn and dusk.
- Run air conditioning when possible.
What doesn’t work (or works poorly)
| Product | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Bug zappers | Kill mostly non-biting insects; little effect on mosquito bites |
| Ultrasonic repellers and apps | Not supported by research |
| Citronella candles | Small, short-range effect at best |
| Mosquito-repelling plants | Little effect just growing in the yard |
| Barrier sprays on all foliage | Can reduce mosquitoes briefly but also harm pollinators and beneficial insects; use only targeted, labeled treatments if needed |
When to see a doctor
Most bites just itch. See a doctor if you develop fever, severe headache, body aches, rash or unusual tiredness after mosquito bites, especially after travel or during local outbreaks. Get emergency care for any swelling of the face or throat or trouble breathing.
Ticks are often the bigger health risk in the same yard — see How to Get Rid of Ticks in Your Yard. Not sure if your bites are mosquitoes? Check Bed Bug Bites vs Mosquito Bites.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of mosquitoes in my yard?
Do mosquito traps work?
Is Bti safe for pets and birds?
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Preventing mosquito bites
- US EPA — Find the repellent that is right for you
- US EPA — Bti for mosquito control
Health note: This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. If you or someone in your home has symptoms such as wheezing, a persistent cough, a rash that spreads, or a fever after a bite, talk to a doctor or other qualified health professional. Read our disclaimer.
