How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Grass & Lawn

Because female mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs in as little as 1 cup of water, avoid shallow water or even damp soil that’s prone to flooding. Drain any form of stagnant water regularly, such as buckets, birdbaths, pet bowls, flower pots without proper drainage, or any other container that collects water.

For larger areas of standing water, such as pools and ponds, we recommend treating it with liquid larvicide or BTI, a naturally occurring bacterium that is toxic to mosquitoes.

One of the most common ways to get rid of mosquitoes in grass insects is using traditional chemical mosquito repellent. Make sure that the repellent contains 30% to 50% DEET—the most common active ingredient in insect repellent. For children over 2 months, use 10% to 30% DEET and don’t use any repellent on infants under 2 months. Keep in mind that chemical repellents only offer temporary protection, as the effects of DEET wear off after 12 hours.

If you don’t want to use DEET, you can make your own natural mosquito repellent by mixing certain types of oil, such as coconut and neem oil, with water and spraying it directly onto your skin.

Another option is setting mosquito traps, which can be purchased online or in a grocery or hardware store. Some traps use light, such as bug zappers, while other traps use smell to lure in mosquitoes. You can also make traps using sugar water and a plastic bottle.

Mosquitoes can be kept at bay by burning candles or using essential oil diffusers with scents such as lavender, citronella, lemon, eucalyptus, lemongrass, clove, tea tree, and peppermint.

Did you know that mosquitoes can not fly against wind greater than about 10 mph? To keep the air moving and the insects at bay, simply set up oscillating fans, especially around porches or areas where people congregate.

Mosquitoes love to inhabit shady spots close to the ground such as the underside of plant leaves, brush, thick weeds, or tall grass—basically, anywhere it is damp, cool, and dark. To avoid this, regularly mow your lawn, trim bushes, and clean up any yard waste. Additionally, consider using cedar mulch around your home, bushes, and flower beds. The natural cedar oils repel mosquitoes and the mulch soaks up excess moisture, which deters the insects from settling in your plants.

Mosquitos have many natural predators that may be able to help keep them at bay, including:

• Dragonflies
• Frogs
• Spiders
• Turtles
• Bats

Additionally, certain species of fish and birds can also naturally deter mosquitoes. To attract birds such as swallows, hummingbirds, sparrows, and woodpeckers, set up feeders and birdhouses away from your back patio. You can also install a backyard pond and fill it with fish such as bass, bluegill, catfish, goldfish, guppies, koi, and the aptly named mosquito fish.

Many insects, including mosquitoes, are drawn to light. To reduce the number of bugs you attract, consider using sodium lamps, yellow bug lights, or warm LED lights in outdoor fixtures. It also helps to switch off outdoor lights when not in use.

Avoid planting ground covers, such as ivy and pachysandra, and plants that require tons of pruning, as they provide natural shelter to mosquitoes. Instead, grow plants and herbs that naturally repel the pests, such as:

Not only will you ward off mosquitoes, but your yard will smell great!

Getting rid of pesky insects like mosquitoes can be time-consuming, which is why we offer BOG Pest’s mosquito control program. With an initial inspection and 8 treatments throughout the mosquito season, our team of expert technicians offers efficient, eco-friendly mosquito treatments, using EPA-certified products that are safe for your family and pets.