9 Ways We Can Wage War Against Mosquitoes—and Win!
Mosquitoes are nasty creatures. They bite, they transmit terrible diseases to people and pets, and from what we learn, they have no redeeming value in the ecosystem. Fortunately, we have options that are safe and inexpensive to deal with these nasty, annoying creatures.
In this world, there are more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes, causing about 500 million cases of mosquito-borne diseases annually, resulting in at least 2.7 million human deaths every year. Mosquitoes spread yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, Rift Valley fever, Chikungunya virus, and West Nile virus.
If that’s not reason enough to hate them, they can turn a beautiful backyard, deck, or patio into a nightmare area not fit for humans during mosquito season. But it doesn’t have to be that way, provided you are diligent in taking control of your home and property.
1. Mosquito Trap
When I discovered we’d be dealing with mosquitoes here in northern Colorado, my research led me to purchase a DynaTrap mosquito trap. It worked reasonably well for us for about five years—not perfectly, but it helped.
And boy, do I have good news! DynaTrap has been highly improved. This year, we upgraded to DynaTrap DT1260. I can clearly see the differences: There is no water tray that requires constant refilling, no glass elements that break when knocked over by a high wind gust, it is absolutely quiet, and it is many times more effective.
This insect trap is engineered for 3-way protection. First, the special UV-producing light bulb generates a warm light, attracting insects.
Then a second lure, an exclusive Ti02 titanium dioxide-coated surface of that bulb, produces harmless CO2, which mosquitoes find irresistible (no wonder they love you so much—you emit CO2, too).
Third, a powerful, whisper-quiet vacuum fan sucks insects into the retaining cage, where they dehydrate and die.
DynaTrap is definitely not a traditional bug zapper. It does not make sizzle noises, odors, or other annoyances. I give DynaTrap two thumbs up and five stars, too.
I plugged in the new DynaTrap and, 24 hours later, opened the morgue. I was flat-out stunned. And in a very good way. The pile of dead mosquitoes was inches deep. The catch basket appeared to be nearly full and in just the first 24 hours! We enjoyed an almost mosquito-free evening on our patio, and it was awesome.
The manufacturer states that this DynaTrap needs at least 5 weeks to trap enough mosquitoes to make an impact and 8 weeks to break the breeding cycle. Maybe there is such a thing as a 100% mosquito-free backyard, deck, and patio?
I carefully inspected to see what we trapped in the initial 24-hour period, and while there were a few moths, wasps, and flies, mosquitoes won the highest population prize. Honestly, it looked like at least a million of those little critters in that catch basket! Check the photos above. It was absolutely mind-boggling.
In addition to mosquitoes, DynaTrap is also effective at trapping biting flies, house flies, sand flies, blow flies, drain flies, moths, no-see-ums, june beetles, wasps, yellow jackets, stink bugs, gnats, and biting didges.
Given my visual inspection, this most current DynaTrap is far more effective than the original model of this machine. So, I give DynaTrap DT1260 two thumbs up and five stars, too.
The operative aspect of this machine is the lightbulb that emits CO2 and blue UV light.
Here’s the deal: The bulb must be replaced every four months to remain effective, even though it will appear to be still working. It must be replaced. That means we will need to replace it once to get 8 months of service, which covers mosquito season in most U.S. states.
At around $15 per bulb, this seems like a reasonable solution for a huge, nasty, annoying problem.
Costco Members: Costco has stocked many of its warehouse clubs with an excellent DynaTrap model. Or check Costco.com, where you will see one DynaTrap model. Not a member? You can join here and get a free $10 Costco Cash Card to welcome you.
2. Smoke ‘Em Out
According to the EPA, coffee grounds are a safe and effective way to keep pests away. The smoke from burning used ground coffee is especially effective in sending mosquitoes away because they are seriously repelled by the smell, which, to humans, is quite subtle. So remember this outdoor trick for your new summer barbecue.
Start with completely dry, used coffee grounds. Place the grounds in a bowl or other flat surface lined with foil and light them with a match like you would incense. Add a few fresh bay leaves to amplify your repellant (optional). Set the container (s) upwind to get the scent moving.
Can’t get your coffee grounds to light? Watch this video. If you are still unable to get those dry ground to light (they must be very dry!)? Watch this.
3. Commercial Repellent
It is important to apply mosquito repellent to any exposed skin during mosquito season. Repellents that contain deet, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 are the most effective at warding off mosquitoes. Pregnant women, especially, should choose a repellent with deet.
Health officials recommend Sawyer Picaridin, Natrapel 12 Hour, and Off! Family Care Insect Mosquito Repellent I as the best mosquito repellents. These products are available in a variety of options—pump spray, aerosol spray, lotion, lotion packets.
4. Natural Homemade Repellent
Mix 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil for every 10 parts witch hazel. Rub or spray on skin. Dispense with a small refillable spray bottle. The option below from Amazon works well and is small enough to carry in a pocket, purse, or backpack easily. It’s TSA compatible, too.
5. Night Protection
If you are spending an evening outdoors, make sure to have adequate mosquito-repellent candles and torches (don’t forget fuel) nearby.
6. Scents Mosquitoes Hate, Hate!
Mosquitoes are one of the biggest killjoys of summer, but knowing which smells mosquitoes absolutely hate gives us a huge advantage over these bloodsucking pests.
Apparently, mosquitoes have a very keen sense of smell. And they are very discriminating when it comes to scents they love (you!) and those they consider to be intolerable odors. The idea here is to surround yourself and your yard with the scents mosquitoes absolutely hate.
- Citronella
- Rosemary
- Lemon balm
- Coffee (see #2 above)
- Lavender
- Catnip
- Garlic
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Marigolds
7. Standing Water
This is where mosquitoes breed by the millions. Birdbaths, fish ponds, puddles, flower-pot drip trays, and dog dishes are prime reproduction grounds.
Empty or drain as much water as possible. If you can’t drain a water source, try pouring a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil on top to deny access to mosquitoes and larvae.
CAUTION: Do not pour vegetable oil into fish ponds; it inhibits oxygen flow and can kill the fish.
8. Mosquito Bits
It’s not always possible to clear all swampy areas where water accumulates. That’s when you need to know about Bti and Mosquito Bits, a completely safe and nontoxic commercial product that quickly annihilates the larval population. Mosquito Bits is a quick-kill option for controlling mosquitoes in standing water. Mosquito Bits provides a powerful punch, turning water that is black with mosquito larvae into a clear pool void of future mosquitoes.
No products found.
9. Clean Yard
Keep your yard clean and your vegetation under control. Mosquitoes prefer densely vegetated areas where they are protected from sun, wind, and rain. Keep your lawn well-trimmed and clear out piles of brush where moisture can accumulate. Rake up leaves and dispose of them when they start accumulating.
Question: What are your go-to methods for protecting yourself from mosquitoes during outdoor activities, especially in the evenings? Help our fellow EC reader out by using the comments section down below.
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A good bat house to attract some bats to your yard. The eat a LOT of mosquitoes!
I have had a Dynatrap DT1260 for a few years. I’m pleased with it but even happier that I don’t approach your number of mosquitos. About three weeks ago I bought a spare bulb from Home Depot for $7.60 or so, Under $8.00 and they shipped to the local store for free. I don’t know the ship to home price but would surely put your Amazon price to shame. And, yes, it is a Dynatrap labeled bulb.
Thanks for that HD tip, Frank!
Will unused coffee grounds work just as well? I hate coffee and equally hate to get out so going to pick up used grounds from a coffee shop even if I could get some for free is not something I want to do. Neither do I know neighbors who might drink coffee. Been in the same house for 45 years and only know one neighbor and that’s only enough to wave if they drive by. My friend who I see once a month isn’t a coffee drinker either so how about unused grounds?
No, fresh coffee grounds aren’t great for plants. They are high in acidity and caffeine which is lowered during the brewing process.
Do you have a glass bottle to mix the esencial oil mosquito repellent or will lighter weight plastic due for traveling on a plane?
Pure essential oils are very powerful. They need to be stored in airtight containers made of glass. Due to the strength of the oils, plastic containers can break down over time, causing damaging leaks and the loss of your oils. Suggestion: Pack the essential oil in its tiny glass bottle, then make up the repellant when you get to your destination
After reading your article, Mary, I went to buy a Dyna Trap but I read that the company says to use 20-30 feet away from people, yet it only has a 10 foot cord! Since our outdoor outlet is 5 feet from our eating area, this defeats the purpose! How do you manage? Do people run extension cords out into their backyards?
If you don’t have an outlet that will work, yes an extension cord will solve the problem! It does not create heat (like a space heater), so using an extension cord rated for outdoor is perfectly safe.
Mosquitoes are a critical part of the food chain. It has taken me 5 years to bring my farm back to any kind of balance after it was sprayed from the air for mosquitoes following Hurricane Harvey. The damage done to my cattle and subsequent calf crop is just winding down now. With everything in a good balance on the farm, the mosquito eaters…birds, bats, frogs, dragon flies, etc., devour so many of the little beggars that it takes very little for me to remain relatively unbothered by them, although going off-farm, even a short distance, can result in me being attacked unmercifully. Balance in Nature is everything, Mary.
Farmer Brown, I would argue that it was not the absence of mosquitoes but the presence of a pesticide that threw things out of balance for your cattle.
Dear Mary! I love all the great info you share with us! Thank you so much for all that you do!!!
Plant Mosquito plants. they work. The mosquitos don’t like it.