Mosquitoes Can Breed in the Oddest Places. Here’s Where to Look

Published: May 29, 2012
By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon
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Experts say we’re in for a bad mosquito season. To prevent nasty bites and the West Nile virus, remove standing water from these unlikely places, and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

Mosquitoes can breed in water-filled wheelbarrows

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so get rid of any wet breeding grounds in your yard. Image: Sam Hames/Flickr

Mosquitoes spreading the West Nile virus are a summer curse. So, it’s important to dry up wet breeding spots in your yard.

Wading pools and birdbaths are obvious places for mama mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Change water weekly and add water wigglers like this sun-powered water fountain pump to prevent water from stagnating.

But mosquitoes can breed in tiny amounts of water, as small as a capful, making it tricky to spot and eliminate all birthing places.

Here are some places to look.

Empty ceramic pots and saucers

Discarded water bottle tops

Old tires

Clogged gutters

Wheelbarrows

Plastic bags

Tarps that cover mowers and other yard machines

Trash cans

Places in your yard where water pools

Of course, some mosquitoes are bound to hatch. To avoid bites:

Stay inside at dawn, dusk, and early evening when mosquitoes are likely to feed.

Cover up with long sleeves, pants and hats.

Apply insect repellents.

How do you defend your family from mosquitoes, ants, and wasps and other backyard pests?

Lisa Kaplan Gordon

is a HouseLogic contributor and builder of luxury homes in McLean, Va. She’s been a Homes editor for Gannett News Service and has reviewed home improvement products for AOL.

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