EGA Mosquito Control

Emily's Gardening Almanac

Timely Tips from a
Professional Gardening Expert

Mosquito Control

Biting mosquitoes interfere with outdoor activity and can transmit disease organisms to people and domestic animals. Mosquitoes are most active during twilight hours and at night. They need water to complete their life cycle and they can breed in almost any source of water.

The most important factor in mosquito control is to locate and eliminate their breeding sites. This involves searching your yard for areas where water collects such as birdbaths, saucers under plant pots, tarps covering items, pet water bowls (if water is not changed daily), toys that sit outside, an any other area where water can “pool”. Keep your gutters free of leaves and other debris so water will drain. Eliminate any standing water around air conditioners and faucets.

To keep mosquitoes out of your home, make sure all your screens on doors and windows are properly fitted. Caulk cracks and crevices where mosquitoes could enter the house.

Bats and Purple Martin birds may consume mosquitoes as part of their diet. You may wish to create nesting sites to encourage these birds to visit your yard.

Some repellants for mosquito control include oil of citronella candles that are placed on decks and patios. These candles work best if used during times of little air movement since air disperses the chemical quickly.

Personal repellants include products that contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) applied to exposed skin, but not no hands and face. Repeated use of repellants over a short period of time is not recommended, especially for children. Be sure to follow all label directions.

Homeowners wanting to treat small garden pools or bird baths may want to try a bacterial insecticide such as a product called “Mosquito Dunks” that contain Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). This products kills mosquitos, but does not harm fish, birds, or wildlife.

The electronic traps such as “bug zappers” are not effective in reducing mosquito populations with studies showing that less than 1% of insects killed in these electronic traps are biting insects. “Bug zappers” also tend to kill non-target, beneficial insects.

Eliminating breeding sites is the only long-term solution to eliminating mosquito problems.

Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University or North Carolina Cooperative Extension nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact an agent of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

Distributed in furtherance of the acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

Visit the following web sites for more gardening information and helpful tips:
Urban Horticulture, NCSU
Extension's Successful Gardenersm

For informaton concerning this or other publications please contact Emily Revels, Extension Agent, Horticulture, at (910) 321-6870.

Emily Lucas Revels

(910) 321-6870

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Created by Susan Johnson, System Administrator, January 2005