How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in the Backyard Naturally

Mosquitoes turn a peaceful evening in your backyard into a source of irritation. However, getting rid of these pests doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals. There are several natural methods you can use to reduce or eliminate mosquitoes, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without constant swatting.

1. How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in the Backyard Naturally- Eliminate Standing Water

How to get rid of mosquitoes in your backyard naturally begins with removing standing water. Certainly, this is the keystone piece. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so removing any sources is crucial. Regularly check for and empty items like bird baths, plant saucers, clogged gutters, and any containers that collect rainwater. Even small amounts of water can accordingly become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. So, be vigilant in keeping your yard dry or get a bubbler for that fountain or birdbath.

2. Install Bat Houses

Bats are undoubtedly natural predators of mosquitoes. For instance, a single bat consumes hundreds of mosquitoes in an hour! By installing bat houses in your yard, you can encourage these nocturnal creatures to take up residence and help control the mosquito population. Bat houses are easy to install and maintain, making them an eco-friendly solution to your mosquito problem.

3. Use Natural Predators

Encourage mosquito-eating animals like birds, dragonflies, and frogs to visit your backyard. Installing a birdbath (with regularly changed water) or adding a pond with fish can attract these natural predators, which will help keep the mosquito population under control.

4. Light Thoughtfully

Mosquitoes are attracted to certain types of light, especially UV and blue light. To reduce mosquito attraction in your backyard, turn off all lights at night. Or use candles or yellow or amber LED lights, which are less likely to draw them in. Additionally, you can use outdoor fans to create air circulation, as mosquitoes are weak fliers and tend to avoid windy areas.

5. Consider a Mosquito-Repelling Garden

When thinking about how to get rid of mosquitoes in your backyard naturally, designing your garden to include a variety of mosquito-repelling plants is a great step. Lavender, marigolds, and lemongrass can be planted strategically around seating areas, doorways, and patios to create a natural barrier against mosquitoes. Not only will this enhance the beauty of your backyard, but it will also provide an effective, chemical-free mosquito defense.

6. Replace Your Lawn

Instead of just mowing your lawn, consider replacing it with a biodiverse wildflower garden that includes a mix of native plants and shrubs. This not only reduces the need for maintenance but also creates a habitat for various species, including songbirds that naturally help control mosquito populations. A diverse landscape filled with native plants supports the ecosystem and offers more protection against pests.

7. How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in the Backyard Naturally- Grow a Songbird Garden

Songbirds are natural mosquito predators. To attract and support them, create a garden that includes a variety of native plants, trees, and shrubs that provide food and shelter. Berry-producing native shrubs, along with those that attract insects, will invite songbirds to your yard. Without question, this helps to keep the mosquito population in check. Adding a birdbath can further encourage these beneficial birds to make your backyard their home.

How to purchase organic wildflower seeds for your songbird garden from Jessecology :

Most “wildflower seed” mixes available on the market today utilize a blend of annuals + introduced plants, sometimes including a tiny smidge of the most common indigenous perennial species. In contrast, our small batch, locally grown seed vault is composed of 100% native species perennials, 100% of the time. This means that securing wildflower seed from Jessecology for your songbird garden project will actually do the ecosystem regeneration you’re looking for. Our custom mixes are not limited to the common native species. Often rare or endangered species may be included from our farm stock.  All of our wildflower seeds are hand collected on privately owned land that our company manages organically. Our wildflower farm in Ballston Spa is the primary collection site. Native Seed Mixes can vary based on seed inventory. Buy wildflower seeds right here.