Prevent Mosquito Breeding

Learning how to prevent mosquitoes from breeding can go a long way towards reducing the impact of mosquitoes on your standard of living. Water is needed for every stage of the mosquito breeding process. If you deprive the mosquitoes of water, they will be unable to breed.

How to Prevent Breeding

1. Empty, drain, or cover all things that can and may hold water. Areas of your backyard or porch may have spots where rainwater can pool. Barrels and trash cans tend to collect rainwater extremely well. Old tires, empty bottles, buckets, and other small containers can condense water vapor into tiny pools. Empty and drain all pools of water and cover them up to prevent more water from gathering.
2. Maintain decorative ponds and ensure swimming pools are operating properly. If you have a small plastic pool meant to be used temporarily, make sure you drain all of the water and store it indoors when it's not in use. If you have a backyard swimming pool, monitor the chlorine levels, and keep the pool clean and the water circulating.
3. Repair or prevent outside leaks. Plumbing that runs outside can be affected by exposure to the weather, resulting in minor leaks. Window air conditioners often drip condensation, which can pool on the ground. Dripping outdoor faucets also pool on the ground. Repair these problems to minimize water collection as much as possible.
4. Change water collection pans for plant pots weekly. When you water your plants, the excess water will run through the soil and collect in a pan. If you have any outdoor plants, these collection pans are a prime location for mosquitoes to breed. Empty and clean the pans at least once a week; more frequently is better.
5. Clean bird baths weekly. If you have a bird bath outside your house, the stagnant water is a great place for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Minimize mosquitoes breeding there by changing the water and scrubbing down the bath at least once a week; more frequently is better.
6. Mow your lawn weekly. Mosquitoes aren't likely to lay eggs in tall grass, but they tend to sit in tall grass for rest and hiding. Keep your grass as short as possible.
7. Eliminate or fill nooks, crannies, and holes. If you have a patio or a porch, there may be small crevices and openings that can harbor mosquitoes and their eggs. Trees on your lawn may have holes in their trunks where mosquitoes can rest and breed. If you can't eliminate the holes, consider filling them with sand.