Mosquitoes are one of the most dreaded insects that pop up in spring and summer. Like other insects, mosquitoes have preferred harboring sites. Knowing where these pests are likely to be found will help you to prevent and control an infestation. Check out if mosquitoes have nests and where you’re likely to find them in your space.
Do Mosquitoes Have Nests?
Mosquitoes don’t build nests like other insects. However, they do have preferred breeding and hiding spots. These pests lay eggs in stagnant water, and the larvae and pupae develop in the water. Adults prefer to hang out in damp, shady areas close to sources of water. They will move around, searching for these conditions. When they find an ideal spot, mosquitoes will begin breeding and populations will grow, leading to infestations.
Where Do Mosquitoes Breed?
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, and they only need a little bit of water to lay eggs. These pests will lay eggs in bodies of standing water such as lakes and ponds. Other water sources can act as breeding spots too. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in flower pots, buckets, watering cans, gutters, and puddles. Bird baths, kiddie pools, and pet water bowls can also become a breeding spot. While mosquitoes are most often seen outside, they can become a problem indoors. Water build-up from leaking pipes as well as water in vases or other open containers can provide mosquitoes with the moisture they need to lay eggs.
Where Do Mosquitoes Harbor?
Mosquitoes thrive in warm temperatures, but they need a break from the sun too. These pests will seek out shaded and protected areas to hide. They often harbor in dense or overgrown vegetation. They like tall grass because it can provide protection from the sun and wind. Debris in your yard can also provide shelter to mosquitoes. They will hide under leaves, grass clippings, twigs, and in weeds. Mosquitoes are likely to be seen under decks and porches where it is cool and damp too.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes
When mosquitoes settle down in your space, it’s important to take steps to get them to leave. Minimizing attractants and using pest control products can help to prevent and eliminate an infestation.
- Minimize Moisture: Because water is the main attractant of mosquitoes, it is important to minimize excess moisture in your yard and home. Repair any leaking spigots, hoses, or pipes. Empty items where water has collected like buckets, watering cans, and toys. Make sure your gutters are clean and working properly. Fill in any spots where water pools in your yard.
- Keep Water Fresh: Items like kiddie pools, bird baths, and pet water bowls can become a breeding spot for mosquitoes if the water becomes stagnant. Keeping the water fresh can help to prevent this from happening. Make sure to change the water regularly so that it doesn’t become a hot spot for mosquitoes.
- Maintain Your Yard: Removing potential harboring spots can help to deter mosquito activity. Trim your shrubs, bushes, and other vegetation to make it less inviting to mosquitoes. Regularly mow your lawn to keep your grass short. Clean up leaves, twigs, and other yard debris.
- Create a Mosquito Repellent Zone: Creating a mosquito repellent zone can help to keep mosquitoes from bugging you. Plant-based insecticides have repellent properties that can help to repel mosquitoes from an area. Our Mosquito Fogger will provide up to seven days of repellent zone residual protection and can be used in small outdoor gathering areas. Our ‘Skeet-R-Shield Mosquito Repellent Canister can also help to deter mosquitoes. It is ideal for use near patios, decks, and outdoor seating areas. The plant oils in the granules will help to repel mosquitoes from the area.
- Treat Your Lawn & Vegetation: Treating your lawn and vegetation with a plant-based insecticide spray can help to get rid of mosquitoes. Our Mosquito & Tick Killer kills mosquitoes and provides residual repellency protection. When spraying vegetation, you will want to make sure to spray deep into it to reach where mosquitoes will harbor.
Mosquitoes may not build nests, but they do look for ideal breeding and harboring spots. Making your yard as unwelcoming to these pests as possible will help you avoid an infestation. If you’re dealing with mosquitoes, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.