Summer is a time for outdoor activities and relaxation, but the fun can be quickly spoiled by mosquitoes. These insects are not only a nuisance but are also capable of transmitting some nasty diseases. To minimize their presence, you need to be aware of what attracts them to your property. While there are several factors that contribute to the mosquito population on your property, we’re going to take a closer look at the primary one — water.
So, why are mosquitoes attracted to water? In this article, we’ll explain the reasons and discuss the type of water that is most attractive to mosquitoes. We’ll also share some tips from our bug experts that will help prevent mosquitoes from ruining all of your outdoor fun.
What Type of Water Attracts Mosquitoes?
Why do mosquitoes like water? There are several reasons for this attraction between mosquitoes and water. First, female mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, which serves as their nursery. Standing water provides a suitable habitat for the larvae to develop into adult mosquitoes. Still or stagnant water is preferred for this development period. It is the ideal breeding ground, as it provides a sheltered space that includes ample nutrients for larvae to develop.
Mosquitoes are also attracted to moisture in the air, and water sources provide a humid environment that is essential for their survival. The puddles left behind after heavy rainfall are very attractive to mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes are not just attracted to puddles, however. Anywhere that water collects can be a potential attractant for mosquitoes. For example, this can include ornamental ponds, birdbaths, rain barrels, empty flower pots, and clogged gutters. Mosquitoes can reproduce in as little as a few ounces of water, so even a bottle cap can be attractive to mosquitoes.
Why Do Mosquitoes Like Water?
Mosquitoes are attracted to water because it plays a vital role in their life cycle. Female mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs. Mosquito larvae require water for sustenance and to grow to become adult mosquitoes. This is the primary reason that mosquitoes are attracted to water. Mosquitoes find humid environments favorable for breeding, growth, and survival, making them a magnet for these persistent pests.
Other Conditions That Attract Mosquitoes
Are mosquitoes only attracted to water? While water is a crucial factor in the survival of mosquitoes, they are also attracted to warmth and humidity. Mosquitoes are generally not an issue during the cooler months of the year. However, there are some species of mosquito that can survive harsh weather. You can learn more about What Temperature Kills Mosquitoes from our experts.
While there is a relationship between standing water and mosquitoes, they are also attracted to humans and animals due to the carbon dioxide we exhale into the atmosphere. They are also attracted to odors such as lactic acid, ammonia, and other compounds emitted by our bodies. You may be a more likely target if you are exercising or working outdoors and sweating. Wearing dark clothing or strong cologne or perfume will also make you a target.
Mosquitoes can also be attracted to overgrown vegetation and greenery, as this provides a resting place for adult male mosquitoes.
Tips to Prevent Mosquitoes Around Your Home
It’s important to put preventative measures in place to keep mosquitoes at bay and enjoy the summer outdoors. Let’s review some ways to keep mosquitoes away from you, your family, and your pets.
Reduce Standing Water
Mosquitoes, gnats, and other insects are attracted to stagnant water. Standing water that has had a chance to grow bacteria and fungus is an ideal habitat and breeding ground for these pests. What’s more, insect eggs are commonly found in standing water, which makes getting rid of it a great way to reduce the number of bugs in your yard.
Regularly inspect your property for standing water and eliminate it. Remove water from flower pots, and ensure proper drainage of containers. Be sure to cover water storage containers with lids or mesh to keep mosquitoes from accessing them.
Clean Your Gutters
There are places where mosquitoes are attracted to water that you may not immediately see or think about. For instance, standing water can collect in your gutters, turning them into insect nests. They can also fill with debris like twigs, leaves, and dirt, which breed bacteria and create food for some pests. To prevent a bug infestation after heavy rain, clean out your gutters at least once a year. Doing so regularly — and before the rainy season starts — can help prevent insects from thriving and breeding in your yard.
Keep Your Trash Cans Dry
When trash cans get wet, they hold standing water and turn into sources of food for insects. Moisture encourages bacteria and mold growth, which supports the survival of many pests. To prevent your trash cans from turning into insect breeding grounds, keep your cans covered or in a protected area when it rains.
Keep Your Lawn and Shrubs Short
Overgrown vegetation creates debris that is attractive to pests. Keep your bushes, lawn, and the surrounding vegetation pruned and cut back year-round so you won’t end up with more pests after it rains. Keeping your yard tidy reduces the number of places for pests to hide.
Drill Holes in Tire Swings
Water can easily collect at the bottom of a tire swing and become stagnant. Mosquitoes love these areas and will settle in there after heavy rain. To keep the mosquitoes away, drill some holes in the bottom of your tire swing to promote better drainage.
Maintain Pools and Water Features
If you have a hot tub, swimming pool, fountain, or ornamental pond, it is important to keep it maintained and properly treated. This will prevent mosquito breeding. Be sure to check these water features every few weeks, especially during the spring and summer and after heavy rain. Heavy rains can dilute and limit the effectiveness of any treatment that has been added to help prevent insects from using the water as a breeding ground. Checking them regularly during the spring and summer months will help ensure they remain free of insects.
Use Screens and Nets
Installing window and door screens can help you enjoy the weather while preventing pests from entering your home. Make use of mosquito nets around outdoor seating or lounging areas. Take your nets camping with you too.
Shield Your Body
Wear appropriate clothing in places where mosquitoes may be. They are attracted to dark-colored clothing, so opt for light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. This reduces the amount of skin that is exposed and makes it more difficult for mosquitoes to bite you. Don’t forget to use mosquito repellent that is EPA-approved and contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
What About Mosquito Repellent Plants?
While they might seem appealing, most mosquito repellent plants don’t actually work well at defending against mosquitoes. Many plants that are said to deter mosquitoes with their scent don’t release enough of it to be truly effective. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t be pleasant to have in your yard or garden. In addition, if you have mosquito repellant plants and feel inspired, you can make your own mosquito repellent at home.
Don’t Let Mosquitoes Ruin Your Outdoor Fun
One of the easiest things you can do to prevent an insect infestation in your yard is to have an expert — like a Mosquito Joe® professional — apply a barrier spray to your shrubs and vegetation. Mosquito Joe will treat your yard with an effective treatment that eliminates mosquitoes and reduces the number of pests in your yard for up to 21 days. With a little help, you can keep your outdoor space protected all year long. Request a free quote today!
FAQs About What Attracts Mosquitoes
Do Birdbaths Attract Mosquitoes?
Yes, mosquitoes are attracted to water in birdbaths. Standing water is their favorite habitat, so that delightful birdbath has the potential to attract and host many of them. If you enjoy watching birds take a bath and don’t want to put your birdbath away during the summer, be sure to check it frequently for mosquito larvae and other insects.
Do Mosquitoes Like Pool Water?
Mosquitoes are attracted to water that they can lay eggs in. The chemicals in pools are not healthy for them. So, if your pool is properly and regularly maintained, it is less likely that mosquitoes will spend time in it. However, pool water that is not well-maintained or becomes stagnant, is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects.
