Beat the Mosquito: Yard Tips for Summer!

Do you already smell the barbecues on the grill? Hear the splash of kids jumping into the pool? Feel the heat of the sun on your skin? And… the itch of mosquito bites? Yep—summer is indeed just around the corner.

While we all look forward to lazy days spent outdoors on the patio, rooftop hangouts, and backyard games, there’s one tiny problem buzzing around, literally. Mosquitoes. These uninvited guests don’t just ruin the vibe; they leave behind itchy welts and, worse, they can spread diseases. Nothing puts a damper on your evening gathering like a swarm of bloodthirsty bugs crashing the party.

Why Do Mosquitoes Love Our Yards?

You might be wondering, “Why are they always in my yard?” Well, mosquitoes are drawn to standing water, tall grass, and shady spots—things many of our yards unintentionally offer. Birdbaths, clogged gutters, and even forgotten flowerpot trays can serve as mosquito breeding grounds. Your outdoor oasis can quickly turn into a mosquito nursery if you’re not careful.

Before we get into how to protect your yard, here are a few personal tips to keep bites at bay:

• Apply insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus before heading outside.
• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing to reduce exposed skin.
• Avoid peak mosquito hours—typically dawn and dusk—if possible.

Simple Yard Fixes to Keep Mosquitoes Away

To truly enjoy a mosquito-free summer, start with your yard. Here’s how:

1. Eliminate Standing Water (the #1 Breeding Ground)

Empty kiddie pools, buckets, plant saucers, and anything else that holds water at least once a week. Even rain gutters can hold water if they are clogged, so give them a thorough clean-out regularly.

2. Keep Your Lawn and Landscaping Trimmed

Tall grass, overgrown shrubs, and dense bushes create the cool, shaded spots mosquitoes love to hide in during the day.

• Mow your lawn regularly
• Trim back hedges and overhanging branches
• Remove leaf litter and yard waste

Bonus: It helps keep other pests away, too!

3. Treat Problem Areas with Mosquito Dunks or Larvicides

If you have areas of water you can’t drain—like a pond or birdbath—use mosquito dunks or larvicide pellets. These are safe for pets, birds, and fish but deadly to mosquito larvae. 

4. Use Fans in Outdoor Seating Areas

Mosquitoes are weak flyers and avoid breezy conditions. Place one or two outdoor fans on your patio, deck, or porch to keep air circulating—and mosquitoes away. It’s a quick win that works!

5. Add Natural Mosquito-Repelling Plants

Some plants naturally repel mosquitoes with their scent. While not a standalone solution, they’re a great addition to your defense plan:

• Citronella
• Lavender
• Marigolds
• Basil
• Lemon balm

Plant them near doorways, patios, or windows to boost protection.

6. Consider Outdoor Lighting Options

Traditional outdoor lights can attract mosquitoes and other bugs. Swap them out for yellow LED bug lights, which are less appealing to insects. Keeping your yard well-lit and less buggy? That’s a win-win.

Enjoy Every Bit of Summer—Not the Bites

Mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs in just a bottle cap of water, so if you don’t act quickly, your yard could have a full-blown mosquito invasion in no time. Besides the irritation of itchy bites, the risk of diseases like West Nile virus and Zika is a concern.

If things are already out of hand—or you want to stay ahead of the problem—call Vogelsang Pest Management. Our expert team specializes in mosquito control and prevention, so you can enjoy your yard the way it was meant to be: peaceful, fun, and bite-free. Check out our specials for flea, mosquito & tick treatment!