10 Common Mosquito Breeding Sites Around Your Home

You should not have to spend your days thinking about mosquitoes. Then again, every year you are reminded of this pesky insect who ruins the comforts of the outdoors and keeps you prisoner to the confines of your home. So instead of letting mosquitoes impose on your day-to-day, be proactive and limit the number of mosquito breeding sites around your property. Check out the list of 10 Common Mosquito Breeding Sites Around Your Home and see what you can do about them!

1. Tires

These heavy recycled rubber objects are a staple for a variety of home uses in North, Central, and South America acting as swing sets, home planters, and even make for safe self-standing walls and barriers. Sadly, they hold water and are the perfect mosquito breeding site in your yard. We suggest emptying tires weekly or moving them to a location where they are covered and can no longer collect rainwater.

Photo Credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/Used_tires.jpg

2. Swimming Pools- Big & Small

The sun is out and the temperature is rising, it’s time to break out the pool! Pools are great outdoor accessories, just be weary that on long vacations or at the close of the season that your pools are emptied. If improperly looked after, these sites can become host to tens of thousands of mosquitoes, so be sure to empty your pools as soon as possible.

Photo Credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/Kids.jpg

3. Garbage Cans & Recycling Bins

While most outdoor garbage cans have lids, many recycling bins do not. When left outside the recycling bin is a great catch basin for rainwater. Keep an eye on your trash and recycling bins by leaving them under overhangs or remembering to empty them after a major rainstorm.

Photo Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recycling_bin#/media/File:Dunedin_recycling_bins_2008.jpg

4. Clogged Gutters & Runoff

Pull out your ladder because your clogged gutters are a mosquitoes favorite place to hide out and breed without you even knowing it! The runoff from poorly designed gutters or blocked drains can create new breeding sites for mosquitoes. Inspect rooftops for blockages that can cause gutter water to stagnate and keep those drains free of debris.

Photo Credit:http://801website.com/hicaliber/home-inspection/clogged-rain-gutters-in-saint-george/

5. Swing Sets and Toys

Sand buckets, plastic toys, and swing sets can become prime real estate for the breeding mosquito. Swing sets can hold a small amount of water especially when not used regularly, and can add to a new plethora of mosquitoes in your yard. Sand buckets easily capture stagnant water, while toys have little inconspicuous crevices that turn a kid friendly toy into your biggest backyard threat. Maintain good habits by turning toys, sand buckets, and even swing set accessories upside-down when you are done using them. This will often prevent any unforeseen pockets of standing water from arising and keep your back yard safe from breeding mosquitoes.

Photo Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outdoor_playset#/media/File:Outdoor_playset.jpg

6. Oil Drums & Buckets

Items such as 5 gallon buckets that often hold yard tools, rags, and other outdoor work accessories gather water the same as any sand bucket. Empty these regularly and tip over oil drums to rid the tops of any excess water or try keeping all of your yard tools indoors or in a shed.

Photo Credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/84/Recyclage_eau_pluie.png

7. Novelties & Ornamentals

Bird baths, candle holders, ornamental waterfalls, and other yard novelties can all create pockets of stagnant water for mosquitoes to take advantage of. Keeping the water flowing, moving, or emptied out entirely from these objects is the best practice for preventing mosquito breeding sites.

Photo Credit:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_bath#/media/File:Birdbath007.jpg

8. Boats & Kayaks

This category may not be for everyone, but it is worth mentioning that kayaks and boats can act as large retainers for standing water. Next time you decide to take the kayak or boat out, finish the day by flipping over and emptying out any water that may have entered the vessel.

Photo Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Kayak#/media/File:Wda_Kajak_2005_Szumyk.jpg 

9. Plant Saucers

According to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, mosquitoes can breed in as little as a ½ inch of water. This isn’t a lot of water, and plant saucers are one of those unassuming places that can gather a small amount and still be a huge breeding site for your backyard mosquito. After watering your plants and flowers, circle back around and take the time to empty the saucers of the excess water.

10. Pet Water Bowls 

Other saucer-like objects include your beloved pet’s water bowl that may be kept outside for those warm weather days as they play around in the yard. The trick is not to forget about these bowls once your pet has returned indoors. If your pet is regularly kept outside, changing the water every day will keep the mosquitoes away!

Photo Credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1f/Pawliday_Inn_Pet_Resort_06.jpg

In the battle against mosquitoes, we all have to do our part. By reducing mosquito breeding sites on your property you are not only protecting you and your family, but your neighbors and your community.