Updated on: January 10, 2025

Mosquitoes are a common pest that come around during the warmer months. They're not only a nuisance, but they can also cause problems, such as itchy, red mosquito bites. When mosquitoes bite humans, there is also a risk of disease transmission. These insects can carry diseases, like Zika or West Nile virus, and parasites that could make humans and pets ill.

While it may seem easy to fix your mosquito problem on your own, it's not so simple. Female mosquitoes can lay up to 3,000 eggs in a couple of weeks. While the DIY mosquito removal solutions you find online might be able to get rid of many adult mosquitoes, there are thousands of eggs laid that will remain. The mosquito lifecycle will continue to repeat, so you will constantly have these pests buzzing in your ears until you get a professional pest technician involved. Not only is it difficult to completely remove mosquitoes around your home, but it can be a large time and money sink.

There is little scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of home remedies for mosquitoes, like citronella candles, essential oils, and dryer sheets. Additionally, some at‐home removal methods involve the use of pesticides. These solutions must be applied correctly, according to label specifications, to work and reduce any exposure risk to the environment, children, pets, pollinators, and non‐target animals.

Some common DIY mosquito control methods include:

While DIYs may work great for some situations, they're not your best solution for pest control. When it comes to mosquito control, it's best to contact Terminix® so a trained technician can inspect your property and create a customized treatment and prevention plan.

Get rid of breeding grounds

During mosquito season, it's crucial to eliminate standing water from flower pots, buckets, and gutters to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Mosquitoes look for stagnant water to breed and only require a tablespoon of water to reproduce.

Changing the water out weekly in items such as kiddie pools or birdbaths will help to interrupt the mosquito life cycle, reducing the chances of larvae maturing into adult mosquitoes.

In addition to standing water, mosquitoes may deposit eggs in moist soil, logs, and other damp areas. Eliminate leaf piles and yard waste that can trap moisture and serve as a breeding site for mosquitoes

Tall grass and vegetation are a common hiding spot for mosquitoes. Maintaining a tidy yard, ensuring grass is cut short, and trimming vegetation can help to keep mosquitoes away.

While removing stagnant water sources can help to repel mosquitoes, it's important to recognize that mosquitoes may still find new water sources or migrate from neighboring areas, requiring ongoing preventive measures.

Fans

Mosquitoes are weak fliers, and fans can help to keep them away by disrupting their flight pattern and making it difficult for them to land on potential blood hosts.

Fans help to disperse the chemical compounds that humans emit from their bodies that attract mosquitoes. By dispersing these chemical cues, the mosquitoes get confused.

While using fans is effective for keeping adult mosquitoes away from you during outdoor activities, it's important to note that this is a short‐term solution and may not prevent mosquitoes from continuing to breed in the surrounding area.

EPA‐registered mosquito repellent

Applying mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus can be an effective method to safeguard yourself and others, alongside wearing long pants and sleeves.

Applying mosquito repellent onto your skin or clothing as directed by the label can help to establish a protective barrier that deters mosquitoes with its scent and taste, reducing the chances of mosquito bites.

Mosquito spray

Mosquito spray can be used around areas where mosquitoes rest, such as tall grass, flower beds, and standing water. Sprays that are available to the public only repel mosquitoes. They will not kill them.

Sprays last for short periods of time, typically no more than 24 hours.

Always read the label instructions if you're attempting to use a mosquito spray. If they are not used correctly or placed in the correct areas, your attempts at DIY mosquito control may be unsuccessful. Once you have sprayed, let the spray dry before your family or pets enter the treated area. Some of the active ingredients have some level of toxicity that can potentially be harmful.

Homemade/Natural oil mosquito repellants

Some essential oils can be used as a natural mosquito repellent. Common oils used include citronella, cinnamon, lemon eucalyptus, tea tree, and thyme oil. These oils emit scents that are unpleasant to mosquitoes, discouraging them from getting too close.

It has been proven that candles and essential oils are not very effective unless it is a heavy concentrate and there is no breeze.

When choosing a natural mosquito repellent, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate essential oils.

Mosquito netting

While mosquito nets are generally effective in preventing mosquito bites, correct installation is crucial. If they are not installed correctly, mosquitoes may still find their way inside.

Mosquito nets can be used to enclose outside areas such as porches and gazebos. Some nets are pre‐treated with permethrin which adds an additional layer of protection against mosquitoes. These are particularly useful where there are large mosquito populations.

Backyard bug fogger

Bug foggers disperse an insecticide mist into the air, effectively eliminating mosquitoes and other flying insects. Once activated, the fogger generates a cloud of insecticide that can penetrate hidden areas where mosquitoes might be present.

The fogger's insecticide eliminates mosquitoes upon contact and provides a temporary repellent effect. However, it's crucial to note that this application method is influenced by air currents and may inadvertently drift into sensitive areas and neighboring properties.

Foggers are not a long‐term solution for mosquito control and should only be used by pest control professionals. We do not recommend insect foggers as a DIY mosquito control method.

Repellent coils

Mosquito repellent coils are incense‐like products meant to keep mosquitoes away when burned. They're typically suspended in the air or hung in a holder for a continuous burn. Many mosquito‐repellent coils use pyrethrins, which are insecticides derived from pyrethrum.

While the coils are an inexpensive, short‐term solution to keep mosquitoes away, it is not ideal for every scenario. These won't work well on a windy day because the smoke will be blown away. Repellent coils are not guaranteed to work, making your DIY mosquito control attempts unsuccessful.

Mosquito traps

Mosquito traps lure and capture mosquitoes by emitting carbon dioxide, heat, and other chemicals that replicate the scent of humans or animals. Once drawn to the trap, mosquitoes are either trapped inside or eliminated.

While mosquito traps can successfully capture and kill some mosquitoes, several drawbacks should be considered. These traps fall short of eliminating the entire mosquito population in your yard and may even attract more mosquitoes due to the lure they emit.

There is also a risk that traps can kill other beneficial insects in the area.

DIY mosquito control traps that use dry ice as a natural attractant may present safety risks, including the potential for severe burns.

Bug zapper

Mosquito zappers are another type of mosquito trap. They are light traps with electric grids that lure mosquitoes in with smells or visual stimulation. The electric grids will electrocute the mosquitoes, and they make a zapping sound in the process.

Depending on the mosquito species, a bug zapper may be ineffective. Bug zappers tend to work better for insects that do not fly far distances. There are other factors that will impact the effectiveness. This includes the mosquito's habitat preference and their feeding behavior. In some cases, they have the inverse effect, with the light attracting more mosquitoes.

Dryer sheets

Dryer sheets have been said to be a natural mosquito repellent, but how effective they are depends on the properties of the dryer sheets.

Dryer sheets are not a reliable DIY mosquito control solution because their effectiveness is limited. While they may provide short‐term relief in specific situations, they lack the potency and durability required for mosquito control over prolonged periods.

Permethrin‐treated clothing

Permethrin, an insecticide, treated clothing is commonly used to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and prevent itchy welts or exposure to potential mosquito‐borne diseases. This treated clothing can provide protection outdoors by repelling these pests.

Attempting to create DIY insecticide clothing is not recommended. Professional factory methods ensure an even distribution of the active ingredient in insecticides, making them more effective against challenges like washing, UV exposure, heat, and wear.

Professional vs. DIY mosquito control

DIY mosquito control methods may seem cost‐effective, but they typically lack the precision and efficiency of professional treatments, leading to more short‐term results. Mosquito control through DIY methods will most likely require consistent time, effort, and money. Additionally, inappropriate use of DIY products can have unintended consequences for the environment, affecting beneficial insects and other wildlife.

Professional mosquito control services ensure a more comprehensive approach to long‐term mosquito control and help remove mosquitoes from your property instead of just eliminating potential breeding grounds.

Are you looking for a more long‐term mosquito removal solution? Terminix can help. Our mosquito solution begins working immediately to reduce the mosquito population in your yard and can last for weeks. Our treatment features a special polymer layer that helps protect the active ingredient against weather and lawn watering, so you get long‐lasting protection. Contact Terminix today for your personalized mosquito control quote!