Summer Mosquito Prevention: What Actually Works
Candles and citronella aren't enough. Here's how homeowners really reclaim their backyards in mosquito season.
Mosquito season runs April through October in most of the U.S. — longer in Florida, Texas, and coastal California. Here's what works and what doesn't.
Kill the breeding sites first
Female mosquitoes lay eggs in as little as a teaspoon of standing water. Weekly, dump anything that holds water: planters, buckets, kids' toys, birdbaths, clogged gutters, tarps, and old tires.
Barrier treatments actually work
A professional barrier treatment applied to shrubs, lawn perimeter, and shaded resting spots knocks down adult mosquitoes and creates a 3–4 week residual barrier. Recurring treatments during the season cost $70–$150 per visit.
What doesn't work well
Citronella candles: 3–5 feet of protection at best. Bug zappers: mostly kill beneficial insects, not mosquitoes. Ultrasonic devices: no scientific evidence they work.
When to call
If you can't enjoy your yard at dusk, or you're getting bitten during the day (Asian tiger mosquitoes), it's time for a professional yard treatment.