What Keeps Mosquitoes Away?

Mosquitoes may be tiny, but their impact on your outdoor life can feel enormous. A single evening on the patio can turn into a chorus of buzzing wings, itchy mosquito bites and worries about mosquito borne diseases like West Nile or Zika. These pests are more than a minor annoyance — they can disrupt family barbecues, children’s playtime and quiet moments in the garden.

If it feels like mosquitoes swarm the moment you step outside, you're not imagining things. These pests thrive in warm weather and are drawn to areas where water and people are present. Standing water in planters, a steamy summer night and the natural carbon dioxide you exhale all combine to create an irresistible invitation for female mosquitoes looking to feed and lay eggs.  

The good news is you’re not powerless. Science-backed solutions — from natural insect repellent oils to smart DIY yard habits and expert spray treatments from TruGreen — offer proven ways to keep mosquitoes away. Let’s dig into our top tips on how you can keep your yard mosquito free this summer! 

Mosquitoes find people by sensing carbon dioxide, body heat, sweat and scented products. They also need standing water — like puddles or clogged gutters — to lay eggs. Overgrown grass and shady spots give them cool places to hide during the day, then they come out in the evening, especially from late spring to early fall in the U.S. and Canada.

Before picking a mosquito repellent, it helps to know what might be attracting them to your yard.

Common attractants include:

• Standing water, like birdbaths, plant saucers, kiddie pools, clogged gutters or even a bottle cap left in the grass
• Sweat and body heat after exercise or yard work
• Dark clothing stands out to mosquitos, making it easier for them to detect and target you
• Fragranced lotions, soaps or perfumes that mingle with carbon dioxide to create a stronger scent plume
• Overgrown shrubbery and tall grass that stay damp and shaded
• Poorly maintained mulch where moisture collects

Peak activity times:

• Dawn and dusk when light levels are low
• Warm, humid days with temperatures between 70°F and 90°F
• Late spring through late fall in many regions, though southern areas may see activity nearly year‑round

Practical tip: A quick walk around your yard after a rainstorm often reveals hidden water pockets. Empty, tip or toss any containers you find to reduce the risk of a mosquito infestation. 

When you need fast, low‑cost protection, your pantry and medicine cabinet hold plenty of ingredients that double as natural mosquito repellent. Essential oils, vinegar and even garlic create short‑term shields you can mix in minutes—perfect for a last‑second cookout or evening around the firepit.

Below are easy recipes and tactics you can test today:

• Peppermint + witch hazel spray: Combine 10 drops peppermint oil with 2 ounces witch hazel and 2 ounces water in a fine‑mist bottle. Shake before each use and spritz on exposed skin, patio cushions or screen doors.
• Citronella or lemon balm candles: Melt soy wax, stir in 20 drops citronella, lemongrass or lemon balm oil per eight‑ounce jar, then burn outdoors to create a scent barrier that confuses mosquitoes’ smell receptors.
• Garlic and water yard spray: Crush six cloves, steep in one quart of water overnight, strain and spray onto shrubs or around deck railings. The sulfur compounds linger for several days.
• Lavender lotion bar: Melt equal parts beeswax and coconut oil, add 15 drops of lavender oil and pour into molds. Rub the solid bar across wrists and ankles before heading outside.
• Neem oil blend: Mix five parts coconut oil with one part neem oil for a skin‑safe balm that fends off mosquitoes and ticks for up to three hours. (Make sure to patch test anything applied to the skin.)

Beyond topical or ambient sprays, a few simple household adjustments can make a noticeable dent in bite counts:

• Set oscillating fans near seating areas as the breeze disrupts mosquito flight patterns
• Install fine‑mesh screens on windows, doors and porch enclosures to keep insects out while letting air flow in
• Drape mosquito nets over playpens or outdoor dining sets during peak dusk activity

Homemade bug sprays and scented candles can help — but only for a few hours. They won’t get rid of the standing water or shady spots where mosquitoes breed. TruGreen specialists often come across yards full of clever DIY tricks, yet mosquito larvae are still thriving out of sight. For longer-lasting results, combine your at-home solutions with regular yard care and expert support. 

Stopping mosquitoes before they hatch is the most powerful tactic you can apply at home. Female mosquitoes lay hundreds of eggs in just a bottlecap’s worth of water, so even the smallest puddle can become a breeding factory within days. Start your defense by eliminating every source of stagnant water you can find.

Begin with a thorough weekly sweep of your property, paying special attention after rainstorms. Tip, toss or scrub any item that can hold water for more than three days.

A healthy, well‑maintained lawn is the next barrier. Healthy lawns use water more efficiently. Grass kept at the recommended height dries out faster, discouraging the moist hideouts adult mosquitoes crave. Edge and trim around fences, sheds and landscaping borders to let sunlight reach the soil. Rake excess leaves and refresh mulch so rainwater doesn’t pool beneath a soggy layer.

For spots that stay damp — think shaded corners behind shrubs — install an outdoor fan. Even a gentle breeze of 1-2 mph will disrupt a mosquito’s flight. Pair fans with strategically placed lights that attract fewer insects (warm LED bulbs or yellow “bug lights”) to make patios noticeably more comfortable.

Below is an expert checklist of best practices to guide your routine:

• Dump standing water from birdbaths, flower pot saucers, grill covers, toys and tarps
• Clean gutters and downspouts so water flows freely
• Fill low‑lying yard depressions with topsoil and seed to prevent puddles
• Mow and edge weekly during peak season, bagging clippings that trap moisture
• Prune dense hedges and thin out interior branches to improve airflow