By admin 
Summer backyard barbecues and patio hangouts with friends and family are fun, but not if you let mosquitoes crash your party.
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There’s an arsenal of home solutions both DIY and professional, from backyard sprays to treatments, to make those annoying mosquitoes buzz off.
Ward off mosquitos this summer with these expert tips, or call a professional pest control company to take care of these pests for you.
Why mosquitoes are worse in summer
Summertime provides all the right conditions for mosquitoes to thrive, thanks to longer days, a warmer climate and higher humidity. Rainfall or any standing water in kiddie pools or buckets, make conditions ripe for breeding and make mosquitoes a real nuisance.
“Mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs, and heavy rains can create breeding grounds throughout a person’s yard. Rain and heat are the two ingredients that lead to mosquito swarms,” says Emma Grace Crumbley, entomologist at Mosquito Squad Plus, a pest control company.
Not to mention, it’s also when your skin is more vulnerable, as you spend more time outdoors in shorts, tank tops and flip-flops.
How effective are summer mosquito treatments?
More than 200 types of mosquitoes exist in the U.S., and 12 types spread dangerous germs, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Leaving mosquitos untreated on your property can leave family and friends unprotected against mosquito bites and diseases like West Nile, dengue and Zika and parasites like malaria, says Crumbley.
Depending on your mosquito infestation and chosen treatment, mosquito treatments can keep pests at bay.
“Summer mosquito treatments are effective at knocking down active mosquito infestations and preventing future ones from taking over your yard,” says Crumbley. “Consistency plays a large role in maintaining an effective mosquito management plan.”
Best treatments to get rid of mosquitos
“To really cut down on the mosquito population around your home you will have to be a little proactive,” says Matt Smith, o-owner of Green Pest Management, a pest control company that serves Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Tennessee.
Summertime is peak season for mosquitoes and their itchy bites, but there are several mosquito treatments available to keep pests under control.
There are three main mosquito treatments that have different goals and lasting power. Working with an experienced pest control service can help homeowners decide which option is best for their situation.
Barrier mosquito treatments: Best for quick results
Barrier mosquito treatments are just how they sound. When the chemical treatments are sprayed directly onto a surface, such as on your grass or around your home, they create a protective barrier that can last for weeks.
Barrier mosquito treatments provide quick results and kill adult mosquitoes on contact so you can go back to enjoying your summer fun. Barrier treatments last two to four weeks and can be a quick but temporary relief from mosquitoes.
Larvicide treatments: Best for long-term mosquito treatment
Larvicide treatments target mosquito larvae in standing water. This option provides a longer-term solution using bacteria to treat a mosquito population, since they stop them before they hatch and become adults.
This mosquito treatment typically lasts about 30 days when applied and is only effective in standing water, such as gutters, birdbaths and ponds. It can be an effective treatment if all breeding sites are found and addressed.
Mosquito misting systems: Best for heavy mosquito infestation
Another option is installing a mosquito misting system that goes off at scheduled times to treat heavier mosquito infestations.
Mosquito populations tend to emerge at dawn or dusk, so mist can be scheduled to directly target them by spraying an insecticide mist. This option is ideal for those living on properties with extensive grounds or that have regular mosquito issues.
Mosquito misting systems can provide uninterrupted misting as long as mosquitos remain a problem.
How often mosquito treatment is needed during summer
Regular mosquito treatments are needed throughout the summer to control mosquitoes. For example, Mosquito Squad Plus sends its technicians to treat customer yards every 21 days, Crumbley says. Other companies may vary depending on the products they use.
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“Products, in the real environment, typically break down every 30-60 days,” says Smith. “So you will have to treat for mosquitoes throughout the summer. Here at Green Pest Management we typically treat every month during the summer months to ensure the mosquito population and reproduction cycle is diminished.”
Best mosquito repellent options for DIYers
Professional mosquito treatments can get the job done and provide long-term mosquito management year-round. But there are also some DIY options that can bring some relief from pesky mosquitoes. “Some products are more organic than others if that is what you are looking for,” says Smith. “In my experience the organic products have a strong smell and typically don’t work as well as the synthetic products.”
Here are some DIY mosquito repellents and tips to keep mosquitos out of your backyard:
- Over-the-counter repellents
- Bug zapping gadgets
- Citronella candles
- Remove standing water
- Keep a tidy yard
- Promote native predators like birds, spiders and lizards
“Nature can help control mosquitoes for you. Many aquatic animals eat mosquito larvae, including amphibians, fish and other insects,” says Crumbley. “Planting native aquatic and wetland plants near natural water bodies can increase the number of beneficial animals in the area.”
Cost of mosquito control
Mosquito treatment costs an average of about $350 but can range from $50 to $2,500 depending on yard size and treatment method, according to third-party review sites like Angi and Reddit.
Misting system installation can add to those costs. Consumers should compare mosquito treatment company costs to find a service that meets their budget and needs. If it’s ease you crave, professional mosquito companies can give you a free quote.
How to prepare your yard for mosquito treatment
Once you hire a professional mosquito treatment company, you will need to prepare your yard for your mosquito treatment. That means cleaning your yard of all debris and getting rid of toys, bicycles, pet accessories and other items in your yard.
Make sure to remove any buckets or standing water. Trim plants, bushes and shrubs and make sure you have screens on all windows and doors.
How to reduce mosquitoes between treatments
Between treatments, keep your yard clean. This is important, as you do not want to give mosquitoes fresh places to breed. “Walk around your property looking for any standing water-it could be anything from lids to kids’ toys to old bird baths,” ays Smith. “Also check areas that are under shade that don’t totally get dried out. If you find items that hold water and can be removed do so.”
“Mosquitoes can breed in clogged gutters, blocked downspouts, bird baths, pet bowls and water that pools or floods in your yard. After it rains, walk around your outdoor spaces and look for standing water,” says Crumbley.
Is mosquito treatment safe for pets and people?
Before choosing a mosquito control company, ask whether they use treatments that are safe around pets and people. Companies may use different treatments, so it’s best to do your research.
“Pets and people should be kept inside during treatments. After each service, we highly recommend waiting for the treatment to dry before allowing pets and children to play outside,” says Crumbley.
Other summer spring and summer pests you might encounter
Mosquitos aren’t the only pest that plague your yard in the warmer months. As the temperatures get warmer, the bugs come out. Some of the most common summer pests that pest control treatment can target include:
- Ants
- Spiders
- Termites
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to get a mosquito inspection?
May through August is peak mosquito season and the best time of year for a mosquito inspection and treatment.
Is an annual mosquito inspection worth it?
Yes, having an annual and regular inspection is worth it to keep mosquitos and their nasty bites away. Regular inspection and treatment can keep your property mosquito-free.
What is a mosquito’s worst enemy?
Pest predators are the mosquito’s worst enemy. These include birds, fish, turtles and dragonflies. Planting emergent plants in your yard around your pond can allow pest predators to do the job for you and keep mosquitoes away.
Does anything really work to keep mosquitoes away?
Yes, there are both professional sprays and DIY mosquito repellents that can keep them away from your backyard. You might get a barrier treatment to quickly rid your backyard of pests, or try a long-term larvicide treatment to stop the mosquito breeding cycle.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to get rid of mosquitoes this summer, according to pest experts
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Reporting by Ana Durrani, Special to USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 9:12 AM.