How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Yard for a Party

closeup of a black and white mosquito with a red belly standing on a person’s arm biting into the skin

Discover How to Achieve a Mosquito-Free Backyard & Eliminate the Worry of Mosquitoes Taking Over

Summertime, and the living is easy — except when mosquitoes are unwanted guests at your backyard parties.

As the weather gets warmer, outdoor entertaining heats up. Backyard parties, barbecues, picnics, and gatherings are an ideal way to enjoy the fresh air and some sunshine or a night under the stars — or both.

Unfortunately, mosquitoes are all too often unwanted party crashers that leave you itching for solutions.

If you’re worried that these pests could create the wrong kind of buzz for your next gathering, it’s time to discover some effective tips on how to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard. Here’s how to prepare for your next party and get ready to have fun all season long in a mosquito-free backyard or other outdoor space.

Get Rid of Mosquito Hangout Spots

One of the best ways to get rid of mosquitoes outside is to take away the types of spaces where they like to live and breed.

How your property is taken care of can make a huge difference in the fight to get rid of mosquitos in an outdoor space. Mosquitoes love to breed and hangout in moist, cool, shady areas.

Start by getting rid of any standing water on the property. Mosquitoes thrive in shallow water — even as little as one ounce of water can serve as a breeding ground. Be sure to clean bird baths the day before or the day of your party.

Drain and clean toys, clogged gutters, garbage can lid, and other sources of standing water. Additionally, keep the grass neatly trimmed to avoid giving these pests a shady place to start a party of their own.

Plant Natural Repellents

A surprising number of plants look great, dress up outdoor areas, and can help keep your yard mosquito-free. Plant these natural repellents near doorways, walkways, and seating areas. Ideally, position some potted plants near dining, sitting, and lounging spaces.

A few plants to consider include:

  • Lavender
  • Citronella
  • Marigolds
  • Rosemary
  • Catmint
  • Geraniums
  • Pennyroyal
  • Basil
  • Peppermint
  • Lemon balm
  • Floss flower
  • Bee balm
  • Sage
  • Allium

Light it Up

Great lighting adds ambiance to any party. Even better, it can help keep mosquitoes and other pests from spoiling the fun.

Citronella candles and torches aren’t the only option available. Special bug light bulbs can minimize the risk of attracting mosquitoes to the light, preventing nighttime swarms. Another option is to add bug repellent lanterns to the area to serve as a repellent in key areas near dining tables, side tables, and buffets.

closeup of a lit torch with a small flame and blurred string lights in the background

Install a Bat House

One nearly effortless way to get rid of mosquitoes and other pests in your yard is to introduce natural predators. Bats are a prime example.

Did you know that bats eat mosquitoes and other insects? A small bat can eat up to 1,000 insects in one hour, with mother bats often eating up to 4,000 insects per hour.

Bats are typically harmless to humans, and if given their own home, the critter is likely to stay out of yours. Ideally, try to install bat houses on a pole approximately 15 to 20 feet above ground level. The bat house should also be 20 to 30 feet away from other obstacles — such as trees or structures on the property.

Keep it Moving

Mosquitoes rarely gather on a breezy day — and for good reason. Moving air prevents the carbon dioxide humans expel from pooling in a single spot. Without movement in the air, these annoying and potentially dangerous bugs are compelled to land on you or your guests.

Overhead fans or portable oscillating fans can not only help keep bugs away, but they can also keep everyone cooler and more comfortable.

Arm Your Guests

Make sure everyone knows that the party will be outdoors and encourage guests to skip items that can attract mosquitoes — like perfume or cologne. Likewise, suggest they wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing that is less-attractive to mosquitoes than dark-colored, tight-fitting garments.

Don’t overlook the power of a good insect repellent.

Keeping sprays or creams on hand and easily accessible can help guests better protect themselves. Products that contain 30% DEET provide effective protection. Other options include DEET-free repellents and all-natural alternatives like lemon and eucalyptus oils, which have proven to be highly effective against these blood-thirsty pests.

closeup of a mosquito biting the surface of skin

Get Professional Pest Control Services for Mosquito Control

Take ultimate control of your outdoor space by protecting yourself, family, and friends from the nuisance of dealing with mosquitoes.

At Catseye Pest Control, we take a comprehensive approach to preventing and controlling mosquitoes. Our friendly, knowledgeable experts provide a free inspection to help identify problem areas and treatment options to help get rid of mosquitoes in your yard.

After inspecting the property surrounding the home, our pest and nuisance wildlife technicians create a tailored strategy to help eliminate the issues, since properties and the pest issues each face are unique.

Then, we apply our organic mosquito control solution to rid the property of these pests. Our technicians will visit the property on a monthly basis from May until October to apply the natural solution and continue to defend against mosquitoes.

This preventative service also helps to rid properties of ticks.

After all, the only buzz at your party should be your guests talking.

Contact us today to learn more about how Catseye can help or to schedule your free inspection.

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About The Author

Joe Dingwall

Joe Dingwall is the president of Catseye Pest Control, a family-owned business that has been delivering quality pest control solutions to properties across the Northeast since 1987. With almost a decade of experience in the pest control industry, Joe is an expert in delivering effective pest and nuisance wildlife management solutions for homes and businesses.