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.
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Plants that hold water
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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.”
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Protective covers on grills or other items
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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.
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Rain barrels
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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.
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Birdbaths
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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.
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Anything made of molded plastic
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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.
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Pooling water from outdoor leaks
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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.
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Tall grasses and groundcovers
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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.
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Under decks and porches
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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.
