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Mosquitoes still biting? Start with these safer yard strategies

Published 17 days ago • 1 min read

Mosquitoes do not disappear just because the calendar says September—especially in warm, humid regions.

The good news is that you can make a meaningful dent in their numbers without blanket-spraying your yard and harming the insects and wildlife that help keep the ecosystem in balance.

How to control mosquitoes more safely

The first step is to remove breeding sites. Empty standing water from saucers, buckets, clogged gutters, and other containers, or refresh water features every few days.

For water you cannot eliminate, our guide explains how we use shaded bait buckets with Bti mosquito dunks to interrupt the aquatic larval stage of the mosquito life cycle. Follow the product label, protect wildlife from accidental drowning, and replace the treatment as directed.

Read the safer mosquito-control guide

DON'T FORGET PERSONAL PROTECTION

Long clothing and an effective repellent reduce bites while you work outside. Catnip and other strongly scented plants may offer short-term protection when crushed and rubbed on skin, but they do not provide the duration or consistency of a tested commercial repellent.

Our science-focused catnip guide (yes, we interviewed the scientists behind the research) explains what researchers have found—and what the evidence does not prove.

See what the catnip research shows

BUILD A HEALTHIER YARD

A diverse, pesticide-free garden supports dragonflies, birds, frogs, spiders, and other mosquito predators. Mosquitoes cross property lines, so sharing the practical steps with neighbors can improve results beyond your own yard.

Explore 13 plants that can help deter mosquitoes

Here’s to fewer bites and more time outside,

Aaron & Susan

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