Mastering Mosquito Control: A Comprehensive Guide to Identification, Prevention, and Mosquito Killers

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Written By: Mark Marino, a Massachusetts Core Applicator License holder
and owner/operator of Lawn Phix,

No AI pledge. Authored and reviewed by Mark, not robots. Learn more.

Updated on

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mosquito on grass blade

LAWN PHIX PRO TIPS

I provided flea, tick, and mosquito services at Lawn Phix in 2023. I found the best way to get rid of mosquitoes, and prevent them from coming back, was by spraying insecticides (both natural and non-organic), using a DynaTrap, and removing standstill water.

  • Use a backpack sprayer – or even better – a mosquito fogger. I used a Stihl SR-450 to spray the perimeter of wood lines and homes.
  • Spray during the day when mosquitoes are most dormant (staying cool from the sun and heat).
  • Spray every 3-4 weeks beginning in early spring through early fall (approximately 8-10 total applications).
    • That’s April – October here in Massachusetts
  • Vegetation includes under the leaves of trees, shrubs, and leaf/mulch piles.
    • The best products in my experience were a combination of Talak 7.9% (Bifenthrin), Insect Growth Regulator (IGR), and Essentria Pro (natural oils)
  • Use Mosquito Dunks when you have unavoidable standing water nearby.
  • Use a DynaTrap to naturally catch mosquitoes and other undesirable insects.

Of all the pest species that frequent our backyards, adult mosquitoes may be the worst of all. Capable of biting humans and sucking their blood, concerns associated with mosquito-borne diseases can keep homeowners from enjoying their lives to the fullest.

This article will provide some critical information about pesky mosquitoes, as well as the ways homeowners can identify, kill, and prevent infestations in their yards.

Mosquito Identification

There are thousands of mosquito species located worldwide, a few hundred of which can be found in American backyards. Three of these, including the Asian tiger mosquito, culex mosquitoes, and Aedes mosquitoes, cause the most amount of problems for homes and families.

Below are a few of the most identifying features associated with mosquitoes.

  • Loud ‘buzzing’ sounds while in the air.
  • Long legs that appear ‘stanced’ while landed
  • Color patterns of grey, black, and striped black and white

Mosquitoes present several types of significant issues, ranging from disease spread to general discomfort. Before we look into the specifics, let’s take a closer look at the mosquito lifecycle.

Mosquito Lifecycle

The mosquito breeding season ranges from April through October, although it could be longer or shorter depending on location and average rainfall. Mosquitoes move through a four-step life cycle process, beginning with eggs.

  1. Adult mosquitoes tend to lay their eggs in stagnant pools of water, sometimes as small as a bottle cap. After a period of one to two weeks, mosquito eggs hatch into aquatic larvae.
  2. While in the water, mosquito larvae are highly vulnerable and may be eaten by fish, frogs, and other small vertebrates.
  3. Mosquitoes quickly develop from larvae to pupae, needing only five days or less to complete the transformation.
  4. Adult mosquitoes congregate in shady areas to take advantage of the humidity, cooler temperatures, and higher mammal movement. Dense bushes or shrubs attract mosquitoes during breeding seasons as well.

When mosquito season rolls around in late spring, no exposed skin area will be safe from insect attack. The warmer weather and high humidity will make mosquito treatment a must-have. The dangers of mosquito-borne diseases are one of the reasons why controlling mosquitoes is paramount to ongoing safety.

The Dangers Of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

One of the biggest and most concerning aspects of a mosquito bite is the spread of illness. Even just one bite on exposed skin could spread one of dozens of serious diseases, some of which may prove fatal.

Some of the most common mosquito illnesses include:

  • West Nile virus
  • Yellow Fever
  • Encephalitis
  • Dengue
  • Parasite eggs

It should be noted that not all mosquitoes can spread disease through their bites. Only a small percentage of mosquito species even bite humans at all. However, it is not worth the risk, particularly with mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus or yellow fever.

How To Repel Mosquitoes

According to the American Mosquito Control Association, the best forms of mosquito repellents include:

  • Diethyl phthalate
  • Diethyl carbate
  • N, N-Diethyl-3-Methylbenzamide (DEET)
  • Metofluthrin
  • Oil of lemon
  • Eucalyptus essential oils
  • Picaridin
  • Ethyl hexanediol

Bear in mind that a mosquito repellent will not kill mosquitoes. Instead, these mixtures help to repel mosquitoes from a specific area and stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in standing water.

Natural Mosquito Treatments

One of the most beloved insect repellents on the market is essential oil. By mixing a few drops of oil into a spray bottle, homeowners can douse plants, furniture, and themselves with a powerful mosquito repellent.

Below are a few additional options:

  • Eliminate mosquitoes with some form of mosquito netting, which prevents pests from getting into a specific area.
  • Use a natural form of mosquito repellent around the area, using a spray bottle or professional applicator to coat trees and shrubs.
  • Use a natural growth inhibitor such as BTI to eliminate mosquito larvae in or around standing water pools.
  • Rely on natural applications of professional pest control companies for seasonal help.

The key to success for natural mosquito treatments is consistency. Don’t wait long before rolling out a new system!

Chemical Mosquito Treatments

Chemical mosquito control relies on a mixture of certain elements to kill mosquitoes and their eggs. Although some products may need special purchases, many others can be obtained over the counter. 

Top Mosquito Killers

Options like Archer IGR, Demand CS, and Talstar (Bifenthrin).. Combining Archer IGR with other insecticides prevents mosquitoes from maturing and reproducing, providing long-term control. With my Stihl backpack blower, I use a combination of Talak, IGR, and Essentria Pro. I also offer Essentria alone for natural and organic options for my customers. I like the smell of Essentria, and its also acts as a terrific repellent around your yard.

Another excellent form of mosquito control involves the use of traditional bug spray. This can be applied to your clothing or exposed skin to reduce the chances of mosquito bites. In either case, be sure to purchase a spray that works best for your needs.

What Can Attract Mosquitoes In The Yard

Below are a few of the household factors that draw mosquitoes in:

  • Large amounts of shrubbery or tree branches
  • Shady areas of the yard
  • A north-facing home
  • Plenty of standing water sources
  • Thick vegetation near the sides of the home

Beyond these simple attractant factors, there is one other attractant that cannot be controlled: heat and carbon dioxide. Interestingly enough, carbon dioxide is produced every time you exhale, making it difficult if not impossible to manage a growing mosquito infestation without additional help.

If even one of these elements are present in the lawn, you could be attracting a serious mosquito problem to your home without even knowing it. Start implementing effective mosquito control right away to stop the life cycle in its tracks.

Here’s how to get rid of mosquitoes that are harboring around residential and commercial lawns.

  • Drain any standing water on the property, including fountains, bird baths, and ponds. Less standing water leads to less mosquito breeding over time.
  • Mow the grass often, and reduce vegetation near the sides of the home.
  • Consider using a pest control company for one-time use.

Mosquitoes FAQs

The following are a couple of tips that could help you entertain fewer mosquitoes.

What is the most effective way to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard?

Some of the best natural mosquito traps include bug zappers or light emitters, which stop adult mosquitoes from laying eggs. Chemical treatments like insect growth regulators kill mosquito larvae before they pupate and become adults. If your mosquito problem is very advanced, or if you feel that repelling mosquitoes is too difficult to manage on your own, it may be a good idea to try some professional mosquito control.

What is the best home remedy to get rid of mosquitoes?

One of the most popular home remedies for mosquitoes includes natural repellent. This could stop local populations from growing out of control, although it will not able to exterminate serious infestations. Other popular mosquito repellents include a few drops of tea tree oil, citronella candles, lavender oil, and a mosquito net.

What smells or natural repellents do mosquitoes hate?

Citronella candles and essential oils are two of the strongest scents used to eliminate mosquito infestations. Lavender oil and eucalyptus oil are excellent when used as an overall insect repellent. Strongly scented herbs, including rosemary and mint, may also play a part in reducing mosquito populations. For additional assistance, reach out to a pest management professional for help.

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Author's Note: this piece has been updated for accuracy since its first publication on

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Author: Mark Marino
My name is Mark Marino, and I am the founder, owner, and operator of Lawn Phix. With a passion for lawn care and turf nutrition for over a decade, I've dedicated countless hours to correcting soil and perfecting lawns. Today, my expertise, backed by formal courses at UMass Extension Pesticide Education, allows me to offer top-tier lawn care services and advice. I am a fully licensed and insured lawn care applicator in Massachusetts, specializing in comprehensive turf nutrition, weed control, and lawn pest control. My license number is AL-0053865. Contact me at [email protected] or +1 (508) 500-8402.

4 thoughts on “Mastering Mosquito Control: A Comprehensive Guide to Identification, Prevention, and Mosquito Killers”

    • Hi Keegan. You definitely mix them in the same tank. This is the best 1-2 punch all season long.

      Your rates per 1 gallon of water will be about 1.0 – 1.5 oz. of Archer IGR, and about 0.4 oz. of Demand CS.

      Reply

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