Mosquito Control in St. Louis

How to Prevent Mosquitoes in St. Louis

Whether you already have invasive mosquitoes on your hands or want to avoid a possible infestation before it starts, there are several steps you can take to reduce mosquito populations near your home.

Drain Standing Water

There’s a reason mosquitoes are commonly found near stagnant bodies of water—it’s where they lay their eggs. Mosquitoes seek out still, non-moving water so they can lay their eggs on the surface. Flowing water disrupts the conditions mosquitoes need for their young to survive. 

If you have any standing water in your yard, from large patches of poorly draining soil to small collections of rainwater in sloped pits, it’s a good idea to consider ways you can drain the excess water, such as by digging trenches or installing drains. By removing these pools of stagnant water, you remove mosquitoes’ natural breeding grounds.

Introduce Fish to Ponds

It isn’t always possible, or desirable, to remove all bodies of water from your yard—especially if you have an ornamental pond in your backyard that you don’t want to drain. 

In these cases, homeowners can make use of a highly effective, natural mosquito prevention method: fish! Fish are mosquitoes’ natural predators, and when added to ponds and other bodies of water, will feast on mosquito larvae. Fewer larvae mean fewer adult mosquitoes. 

Dispose of Unused Containers

Any empty containers that have been left outside can quickly result in new swarms of mosquitoes in your home and yard. Planters, pots, tarps, children’s toys, old tires, and even patio furniture covers can turn into ideal breeding grounds after just a bit of rain. 

When water accumulates in these objects, even in seemingly small amounts, these temporary pools attract adult mosquitoes looking to lay their eggs. To prevent this, remove containers that don’t belong outside and empty any pooled water immediately after it rains. 

Fill Holes and Level Landscapes

Tree holes and landscape basins can also hold collections of standing water that encourage mosquito activity. Look around the areas of your home for places where water may accumulate from precipitation or irrigation. Take measures to level out or fill any depressions in your yard that may unintentionally attract unwelcome mosquitoes.

Properly Manage Vegetation

Because mosquitoes are tiny insects, they can hide undetected within the leaves and branches of tall, overgrown vegetation in your outdoor spaces. Lush grass, weeds, and untrimmed bushes are among the most common hiding spots for pesky mosquitoes. To prevent mosquitoes from taking up residence close to your house, trim, cut, or shorten the vegetation to reduce the potential for shelter.

Utilize Physical Barriers

Make sure to keep the windows and doors of your home closed, especially at night when mosquitoes are most active. Also take a look at your window screens and weather stripping once a season. Small holes and cracks in these barriers can let mosquitoes inside, and these items can be easily fixed or replaced using materials from your local home improvement store. 

Remove Debris from Gutters and Drains

Mosquitoes don’t need a large water body to lay their eggs and often make use of small collections of moisture, including those found in blocked gutters and drains. Clearing old debris from these areas will ensure that water can flow easily and help prevent mosquito infestations.