There have been countless attempts to eradicate mosquito infestation over the years. However, the fact that it’s still an ongoing effort raises the question of whether we’re doing it wrong. Is there any real way to get rid of mosquitoes? This article explores why the answer to this question is not so straightforward.

How to Control Mosquitoes

Evaluating Mosquito Control Methods

There are many mosquito control methods, but no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Each has its benefits and drawbacks. Some are effective but expensive, while others are cheap but don’t last long. Some methods are accessible but require too much effort, and others pose environmental risks.

Swatters

Swatters are a low-tech way to eliminate mosquitoes; electric versions work even better. However, it’s not exactly easy to hit mosquitoes with them. Furthermore, you can’t be bothered if you’re occupied with other tasks.

Fans

Electric fans can deter mosquitoes because the pests are poor fliers. Plus, wind from fans provides comfort. You probably already have them in different parts of your house. The main issue with fans, however, is reach. Step out of their wind range, and the mosquitoes might start biting again.

Screens

To keep mosquitoes out of your house, install screens on all potential entryways, making sure to replace or repair broken screens in your home. Outdoor porches, patios, pergolas, and exterior doors should also have screens installed.

Traps

Mosquito traps can effectively lure in and eliminate indoor and outdoor mosquitoes. Many traps, such as sticky ones and electronic devices, are available. These types of traps can be loosely divided into DIY and commercial traps.

DIY traps are homemade solutions that you can put together at home. Examples are the box fan trap, vinegar and dish soap trap, Amish flying insect trap, and dish soap and light trap. They’re relatively easy to make, but you’ll usually need to maintain them. They’re also not as effective as their commercial counterparts.

Commercial mosquito traps are more advanced and feature multiple ways to attract and eliminate mosquitoes. These include bug zappers, UV light traps, magnetic traps, and sticky boards. Most of them are electronic devices that need charging or battery replacement. They may be initially costly, but they are usually more effective and offer better coverage, with some even reaching one acre.

Natural Repellents

You can introduce natural mosquito repellents into your household and on your lawn. These plants naturally emit scents that mosquitoes find unpleasant, deterring them from entering your area. Many mosquito-repelling plants, such as eucalyptus, marigolds, peppermint, lavender, basil, and rosemary, are decorative and useful.

Natural Predators

You can also adopt some mosquito-eaters for your lawn. There’s a wide selection to choose from: dragonflies, bats, frogs, tadpoles, turtles, lizards, spiders, and damselflies, to name a few. Many birds also eat mosquitoes, like purple martins, ducks, geese, swallows, and terns. You can also stock fish like bass, guppies, catfish, bluegill, and the one dubbed as the mosquitofish, the gambusia affinis.

Insecticides

Insecticides are the most common response someone gives when asked how to kill mosquitoes. It is not surprising, given their ease of application and potential for instant efficacy. They are usually applied through spraying, misting, or fogging. You also only need small amounts of the product to treat vast areas. Authorities have thoroughly investigated many pesticides, and when used according to label instructions, they do not pose an immediate danger to human health or the environment.

Despite the assurances of safety, pesticide use is still controversial and has a relatively low level of public acceptance. This is because it still raises concerns about the environment and human health. Insecticides can also indiscriminately kill even non-target organisms, not to mention the issues about their long-term efficacy since mosquitoes can form a widespread resistance to insecticides.

Integrated Mosquito Management

The above-mentioned mosquito control methods have their merits. However, most of them are independently ineffective, meaning you must mix and match to find a combination that works for you. For example, screens and repellents might be sufficient to address a small-scale, localized infestation. Meanwhile, a mix of traps, insecticides, and repellents might be required if the mosquito infestation is more extensive and widespread.

That is why integrated mosquito management is one of the best mosquito control solutions.

Integrated mosquito management employs a unified approach and uses all stages of a mosquito’s life cycle to achieve control. Eliminating existing mosquitoes is only one aspect of the effort; the other is disrupting their life cycle and preventing them from biting and infecting humans.

This approach uses a variety of pest management strategies to prevent, minimize, and eliminate the conditions that give rise to mosquito infestations. Additionally, resident education and pest monitoring are key components of integrated mosquito control.

Several methods are used in an effective strategy to eradicate mosquitoes and their habitat. They are separated into four categories:

Removing Mosquito Habitats

Eliminating or routinely cleaning up any standing water in your yard is one of the best ways to kill mosquitoes and keep them from returning. Water-filled containers have the potential to attract mosquitoes and become a site of reproduction for their eggs. This applies to kiddie pools, puddles, tree stumps, buckets, birdbaths, and more. Ensure that containers holding water are tightly sealed, and try your best to remove standing water from within your property. Maintain treated and flowing swimming pool water, and clean gutters frequently to avoid clogging.

Using Barriers

Putting up structural barriers is crucial in lowering the incidence of mosquito bites. If you don’t already have these barriers, you can install “bug-tight” window and door screens. To keep mosquitoes out, seal off any openings in walls, doors, and windows. You should also completely enclose beds and baby carriers with netting.

Controlling Larva Population

Mosquito populations contained in one place are most susceptible to treatment. Therefore, controlling mosquitoes in their immature stages—egg, larva, and pupa—is crucial. The main method used in this process is larvicides to target larvae in their breeding location. Doing so prevents the mosquitoes from developing into adulthood and spreading. Treating breeding habitats with larvicide decreases the number of adult mosquitoes in neighboring areas.

Controlling Adult Population

One of the quickest and most effective ways to stop a mosquito outbreak in an area is to use pesticides. They usually target winged adult mosquitoes; hence, they’re also called adulticides. They are applied using aerial applications through spraying, fogging, or misting. Natural pesticides are always preferable because they do not harm people or the environment.

Toronto-Specific Considerations in Mosquito Control

Since Culex pipiens/restuans are Ontario’s main source of human cases, Toronto’s mosquito surveillance program focuses primarily on monitoring these mosquitoes. Double up on your mosquito control efforts in mid to late August, when these mosquitos are the most active.

The main authorized larvicides in Toronto are Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), and (S)-methoprene. They are usually dispensed as pellets or granules and can be applied to standing water you can’t drain, like ponds or flooded sewage. Note that you can use deltamethrin or malathion as an adulticide.

Let the Professionals Handle Your Mosquito Problems

Are you having trouble getting rid of mosquitoes on your own? Look for experts in mosquito control near you.

LawnMart fully embraces natural solutions. To effectively and safely combat mosquitoes in all stages, our professionals employ odorless botanical insect control and treat stagnant water with a natural bacterium.

Is There a “Right” Way to Get Rid of Mosquitoes?