Several important pest mosquitoes breed around the home, and homeowners can substantially reduce mosquito nuisance caused by these species. This fact sheet describes the habits of the most common mosquito pests that breed around the home and suggests methods to keep your property mosquito-free.

All mosquitoes develop from eggs deposited by females that have previously fed on blood. The female mosquito is very specific about where she lays her eggs and searches diligently for water that will be suitable for her offspring. Many mosquitoes that breed around the home require stagnant water rich in decomposing organic material, such as that found in ornamental ponds not properly maintained, rain gutters not cleaned, or potted plant saucers. Other mosquito species including most pest species require clean, clear breeding habitats.

After locating a suitable water source, the female mosquito deposits 100-200 eggs either on the water’s surface or in an area that will flood at a later date. Mosquitoes are aquatic in their immature stages and, without exception, require water to complete their development. Mosquitoes do NOT breed in tall grass as many people have been led to believe.

Mosquitoes are expert fliers and many species can range great distance from their breeding sites. Flight, however, expands energy and most mosquito species have exceptionally high-energy requirements. Mosquitoes obtain energy by feeding on flowers and convert the sugar from nectar as a source of fuel. Both male and female mosquitoes feed regularly on flowers but females require blood to produce fertile eggs. As a result, a female mosquito must find a host and blood feed before she can lay her eggs. Male mosquitoes do not lay eggs and, therefore, do not feed on blood. The mosquito species that breed around the home are considered "domestic species" and rarely range far from human habitations. All accept humans as a blood meal host, and many will enter houses to feed and most are regarded as significant pests by the average homeowner.

The northern house mosquito, Culex pipiens, is the most common mosquito found in urban and suburban areas. This mosquito will lay its eggs in virtually any receptacle containing water rich in decomposing organic material. Breeding habitats around the home include: discarded tires, unwashed birdbaths, clogged rain gutters and plastic wading pools allowed to stagnate through disuse. The mosquito will not lay its eggs in any of these habitats if the water is too clear. Grass clippings, dead leaves and algae, however, quickly produce an infusion that is highly attractive to the female mosquito. Once the water begins to foul, the northern house mosquito will readily lay her eggs and will use any receptacle containing decaying organic material that is found on your property.

Are you raising mosquitoes in your backyard? Because mosquitoes must have water to grow and reproduce there are several things you can do to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your backyard.

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property. Do not overlook containers that have become overgrown by vegetation.

• Pay special attention to discarded tires that may have accumulated on your property. The used tire has become the most important domestic mosquito producer in this country.

• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left out of doors. Drainage holes that are located on the sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed in.

• Clean roof gutters, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters are easily overlooked but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.

• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. A wading pool becomes a mosquito producer if it is not used on a regular basis (every 3 to 4 days).

• Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths (scrub and change twice each week). Both provide breeding habitats for domestic mosquitoes.

• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family that goes on vacation for 3 or 4 weeks can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.

• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes will develop in any puddle that lasts more that 4 days.

• Store lawn and garden tools that may hold water inside.

• Boats should be kept under a tight cover and water should not be allowed to pool either on the cover or in the boat. Small boats, canoes, and kayaks can be stored upside down to prevent the accumulation of water or indoors.

• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets. Move house cooler drain hoses frequently.

• Change water and scrub vases holding flowers or cuttings twice each week, or grow cuttings in sand.

• Drain flat roofs or keep standing water on them treated during warm weather.

• Reduce shady areas with leafy shrubs that will provide resting areas for adult mosquitoes. Use leafy shrubs in open sunny areas. Adult mosquitoes like to rest on leafy shrubs fewer than 5 feet high that are in shady areas.

Any amount of water, no matter how small can contribute to a mosquito problem. Check your yard carefully and ask your neighbor to please do the same thing. We all need to do our part to help reduce the number of mosquitoes we are breeding.