High five, friend! Backyard mosquito control systems for the win! Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying pests that can ruin an outdoor gathering or backyard fun.
We love being outdoors and enjoying our yard, but mosquito season and all the painful bites that come with it can be so frustrating! At the very end of the post, you will see what we use in our backyard.
There’s nothing worse than being harassed by mosquitoes while you’re trying to relax by the fire pit or work in the yard.
Not only are mosquitoes annoying, they can also spread dangerous diseases like malaria, yellow fever, zika virus, and West Nile virus.
It’s a good idea to take the necessary steps to keep your backyard and outdoor space free of all species of mosquitoes.

We’ve found that there are a few different ways to get rid of these annoying insects so you can enjoy your outdoor activities in peace!
The best solution for outdoor mosquito control for you might be different than it is for someone else.
Apparently, using a combination of professional mosquito treatment and a series of mosquito control DIY steps is the best way to deal with getting rid of mosquito populations.
I put together a list of great options for you all to try in your own backyards!
Backyard Mosquito Control Systems

Backyard mosquito control systems are outdoor misting systems that are installed around your outdoor spaces and yard by mosquito control professionals. It’s an automated mosquito control system, kind of like a sprinkler system.
A pest control company will install spray nozzles around your yard that spray insect repellent on a regular schedule. It also has a remote control, so you can do additional sprays as needed.
Mosquito misting systems are a very effective treatment. However, this mosquito control service may not be offered everywhere, and it’s definitely the most expensive option when it comes to mosquito control.
If you need another effective solution, you can get other pest control services like regular treatments of your outdoor areas from a mosquito control company.
You can also do your own insecticide treatments or use products like mosquito bits around your outdoor spaces. These will kill mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes.
But what if you want to avoid insecticides altogether?
If you’re looking to spend less money or keep it natural while still getting effective protection against mosquito-borne diseases and itchy bites, you have other options.
DIY Natural Mosquito Control

No natural mosquito control solution will be quite as effective against biting insects as using insecticides, and they definitely require more work. However, if natural is important to you, then it’s worth the effort!
Even if you use insecticides, you will still need to do some of these DIY steps to make sure you aren’t constantly fighting a returning mosquito population in your yard.
Eliminate standing water
Mosquitos need water to breed, and you don’t want to give them a comfortable place to do that.
The first step to controlling them is to eliminate any standing water in your backyard. If there are any sources of standing water in your backyard, be sure to drain them or treat them with a larvicide to prevent mosquitos from breeding in them.
Run through this list and see what might need some attention in your backyard.
- Perform regular maintenance on swimming pools and spas to make sure they have proper drainage.
- Fill in low-lying areas in your yard to reduce standing water.
- Install a rain barrel or cistern to collect rainwater and direct it away from your home.
- Empty kiddie pools, buckets, planters, and other containers that can collect water.
- Check your gutters and downspouts regularly to make sure they are draining right.
- Change the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least once a week. Mosquitoes prefer stagnant water.
- Make sure that your sprinklers and irrigation systems aren’t over-watering your yard.
- Plant native plants and grasses that are better adapted to the local climate and can tolerate periods of drought.
Plant mosquito-deterring plants
There are certain plants that can help to repel mosquitos. Planting these around your backyard can help to reduce the presence of mosquitos.
These plants have a pungent smell that is off-putting to mosquitoes. Having a combination of any of these plants will be helpful for mosquito control in your outdoor areas.
Any of these plants can be planted in your garden or grown in pots for use throughout the year.
It’s great to have them spread out around your property. I suggest you have as many of them as possible for the best results.
1. Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus):
This aromatic grass is well-known for its ability to repel mosquitoes. It has a strong lemon-scented smell that masks other scents and confuses mosquitoes.
2. Garlic (Allium sativum):
Garlic is another plant that can help to repel mosquitoes. Its sulfur compounds mask the scent of humans and other animals, making it harder for mosquitoes to find them.
3. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.):
These brightly-colored flowers emit a strong scent that helps to repel mosquitoes.
4. Catnip (Nepeta cataria):
This hardy perennial has a strong aroma that mosquitoes don’t like.
5. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis):
This fragrant herb is a member of the mint family and has a strong lemon scent that can help to repel mosquitoes.
6. Basil (Ocimum basilicum):
Basil is another herbal plant that has a strong, pungent scent that can help to repel mosquitoes.
7. Lavender (Lavandula spp.):
Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant flower that has a strong aroma that can help to repel mosquitoes.
8. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis):
Rosemary has a strong scent that can help to repel mosquitoes.
9. Peppermint (Mentha piperita):
This herb has a strong minty scent that can help to repel mosquitoes.

Use a mosquito repellent
If you want to take a more active approach to controlling mosquitos, you can use a mosquito repellent like a spray, lotion, or even citronella candles.
These products create an invisible barrier that mosquitos won’t cross, making it more difficult for them to get to you.
Keep in mind that natural products are better for you, but that does not mean that they are safe for everyone.
Watch for skin reactions in case you or your kids might be allergic to some of the oils that are usually used in natural repellents.
Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray
Natural bug spray is handy to carry with you or have around the house. It’s mess free and easy to misty on your skin without having to get your hands wet. This is important since you’ll want to keep these potent essential oil ingredients out of your eyes.
Magsol Natural Bug Stick
A bug stick is another handy mosquito repellent and is great for use on kids. This bug stick’s active ingredient, much like other natural repellents, is natural oils.
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
These bracelets are great if your skin is sensitive and doesn’t react well to sprays or balms. You can put these on your wrists or ankles, and you can wear more than one to make them stronger and even more effective if you’re in an area with a lot of mosquito activity.
Mosquito Guard Candle
This candle emits citronella, peppermint, rosemary, cedarwood, and lemongrass scents. It’s made with natural oil, not artificial scents. Make sure any candle you get uses 100% essential oils, or the mosquitos won’t mind them.
Anewnice Mosquito Repellent
This is a great product if you don’t want to burn candles or apply essential oil repellents to your skin. This repellent comes in a decorative tin that you can set out on your beautiful deck. No one will even know what they are, and you can easily move them around as needed.

Itch Relief for Mosquito Bites
This balm is great for relief from itchiness and pain after a mosquito bite. Natural repellents will definitely reduce the number of bites you get, but only killing off mosquitoes entirely will ensure that you don’t ever get bit.
Use Small Machines or Traps for your Backyard Mosquito Control Systems
If you want to reduce the population of pesky mosquitoes in your backyard, you can try using a mosquito trap. There are a couple of different types of mosquito traps to choose from.
Bug Zapper
The classic bug zapper that everyone’s grandma had on their back porch at some point. These things are still around because they work pretty well. Mosquitos and other flying insects are attracted to light, so this zapper can help you get a mosquito-free backyard.
Sticky Traps
These traps attract mosquitoes and other insects, and when they make direct contact with the trap, they get stuck in the glue.
Inzecto Mosquito Trap
This trap lets off a smell that combines decaying leaves and stagnant water that is attractive to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes will go inside to breed, but then they’re trapped and killed.
SkeeterVac Trap
Last, but not least, this SkeeterVac machine is what we have in our backyard.
This simple machine is easy to assemble, and covers up to an acre of coverage!

Backyard mosquito control is an ongoing process, but it’s important to keep your family safe from mosquito bites.
Hopefully, these tips will help you control mosquitoes in your outdoor spaces, and you can enjoy spending more time outdoors with your family!
Before you go, here are more posts you’ll enjoy:
How to Light Up Backyard Without Electricity
25 Top Backyard Enclosed Patio Ideas
Our Staircase Wall Transformation
Best Time to Plant Grass in North Carolina
