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By Katie Mortram published 4 June 22

Here’s how to get rid of mosquitoes and keep them at bay

Knowing how to get rid of mosquitoes can save you a lot of grief and frustration. A single bite from one of these flying insects can cause an irritating, itchy rash which can sometimes last for days. In more serious cases, mosquitoes can also transmit fatal diseases such as malaria or dengue. So you want to prevent any bites as best you can and keep them out of your home and yard. 

The trouble is, much like fruit flies, there’s an abundance of mosquitoes during the summer months and while they make a distinct buzzing sound as they near, a single insect can be tricky to detect and deal with. Worry not though, we’ve pulled together this comprehensive guide to take you through the best ways to handle these pests. We will also cover what to do if you’re bitten. Here’s how to get rid of mosquitoes.

Before you take action, you need to be clear on whether you’re dealing with the odd mosquito or a full-blown infestation. Mosquitoes love dark, humid environments, so check under sinks and in your laundry room for signs of an infestation. Mosquitoes don’t build a nest like other insects, but there will be a high number of them where they’re breeding. 

Whether you suspect an infestation or you’re only dealing with a few of these pests, you’ve got a couple of options:

1. Try a natural remedy — You don’t have to kill the mosquitoes, especially if you’re only dealing with a handful. You can deter them from your home instead. Here’s some natural remedies which have been known to work: 

2. Buy the right insecticide — If you’re dealing with an abundance of mosquitoes, a dedicated insecticide may be the way to go. You can find indoor-safe foggers and aerosols in most home department stores, some of which will be safe to use around children and pets, such as the Ortho Home Defense Flying Bug Killer with Essential Oils Aerosol ($6.29, Amazon (opens in new tab) ).

3. Break out the fly swatter — If you’re just dealing with the odd mosquito, you can always go back to using a manual fly swatter. Bug zappers can also be used around the home to eliminate any strays, such as the Zap It! Bug Zapper Rechargeable Bug Zapper Racket ($39.99, Amazon (opens in new tab) ).  

4. Try a mosquito trap — If you don’t have the patience for swatting, you can also buy a dedicated indoor mosquito trap. These devices tend to lure and trap mosquitoes using a combination of light and suction. The Katchy Indoor Insect Trap ($44.99, Amazon (opens in new tab) ) is an example of this. 

5. Seal off any entrances — Once you’ve dealt with your mosquito problem, you’ll want to stop them from coming back. Inspect your doors and windows and seal off any potential entryways. Replace any damaged window screens and invest in screen doors if you don’t already have them. 

If none of the above deals with your mosquito problem, you may need to call in a professional to help. 

1. Adjust the conditions — You may have an abundance of mosquitoes in your yard because it makes for ideal living conditions. Remove any standing water, cut down your grass and clear away any debris. Standing water will attract mosquitoes because that’s where they lay their eggs. So empty and clean your bird baths and eliminate any small puddles. 

2. Introduce predators — Dragonflies are a natural predator to mosquitoes. A water feature will generally help attract dragonflies to your yard, as will rocks on which they can sun themselves. 

If you own a pond, certain fish, such as goldfish, will also eat mosquito larvae which can help reduce the population. You can also add a larvicide to pond water, although be sure to check it won’t hurt any existing fish. Keep the water rotating as well with a pump to deter mosquitoes.

3. Use home remedies — Much like treating mosquitoes indoors, many of the same techniques can be applied outdoors to create a barrier. Lavender candles can be effective for deterring mosquitoes at short range, while oscillating fans can prevent them from flying. Plants with natural oils which will deter mosquitoes can also feature in your garden, such as mint and catnip.   

4. Use an insecticide — Outdoor foggers and aerosols can be purchased from most home department stores. We recommend opting for one with a plant-based formula rather than chemical, such as the EcoSMART Mosquito Fogger ($13.30, Amazon (opens in new tab) ). Whichever insecticide you choose, make sure you follow the instructions and safety guidelines. Apply where there’s likely to be a high population of mosquitoes, such as in sheds and garages. 

5. Protect yourself — Remember to apply mosquito repellent to your skin when necessary and to re-apply it once it wears off. The CDC (opens in new tab) recommends you use EPA-registered insect repellents and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants for best protection.

You should not use products which contain lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol on children under three years old. You should also not apply the repellent to young children’s hands, eyes, mouth or any part of the skin which is cut or irritated. 

6. Invest in a trap — There are different types of mosquito trap available on the market for both indoor and outdoor use. But, these will usually attract mosquitoes using either a light or scent and then trap or kill them on contact with electricity. More advanced ones will vacuum in the insects as they draw near.  

Unfortunately, even if you take every precaution with preventing mosquitoes, one sometimes slips through and you can still get bitten. It’s always a horrible moment when you realize you can’t stop itching a certain spot and then the skin flares up and you know you’re in for an uncomfortable few days.

The good news is there are certain steps you can take to help reduce the effects of mosquito bites. The CDC (opens in new tab) recommends the following steps:

1. Wash the bite with soapy water and rinse. 

2. Hold a fresh ice pack to the bite for 10 minutes and reapply as necessary. This should reduce the swelling and itching. 

3. Combine one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to create a paste. 

4. Apply that paste to the bite and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing away. 

5. You can also buy an antihistamine cream at the pharmacy to lessen the itching. 

Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

You might also want to check out how to get rid of fruit flies quickly if you find any at home.  We've also covered how to get rid of roaches, how to get rid of gnats and how to get rid of ants. 

Katie looks after everything homes-related, from kitchen appliances to gardening tools. She also covers smart home products too, so is the best point of contact for any household advice! She has tested and reviewed kitchen appliances for over 6 years, so she knows what to look for when finding the best. Her favorite thing to test has to be stand mixers as she loves to bake in her spare time. 

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