How to Kill Mosquitoes in Standing Water

Summer time and relaxing evenings spent in the backyard listening to the sounds of nature seem to go hand in hand. Unfortunately so does the droning buzz of the mosquito. No amount of slapping, whacking, or zapping seems to control the onslaught of these bloodsucking little creatures. You need to hit them where it hurts and kill them off before they have time to breed.

Things You'll Need

  • Mosquito dunks
  • Mosquito bits
  • Mosquito fish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice good preventive measures by eliminating any areas of standing water that aren't necessary in your yard. Check for buckets, plant pots, forgotten soda bottles or any other container that may have filled from rain and discard the water.

    • 2

      Check inside tires of children's toys, old wagons or any other object that has a cavity that may hold water and provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

    • 3

      Remove all debris from the edges of your property. Even an old plastic bag can work as a reservoir for water and create an area for mosquitoes to breed.

    • 4

      Clean swimming pools and wading pools to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in them. Purchase a cover for children's wading pools and cover them when not in use.

    • 5

      Add fish to your pond or aquatic pools. Gold fish and minnows will do a nice job of eating mosquito larvae, but Gambusia affinis, commonly called the mosquito fish, will do even better. If provided with adequate plants for the young to hide in, mosquito fish will reproduce quickly, providing you with a host of fish to take care of your mosquito larvae.

    • 6

      Drop mosquito dunks containing Bacillus thuringiensis into the breeding area. These dunks will last up to 30 days and are safe for animals and children. They can even be used in watering troughs and water bowls. It may take up to 2 weeks before you see results, as these dunks target the larvae and prevent the larvae from hatching, interrupting the breeding cycle.

    • 7

      Use mosquito bits for immediate results. These work quickly, but their residual effects only last for 48 hours. They are a good choice for severe mosquito infestations and are best when used in conjunction with mosquito dunks.