How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in the House
More than just an itchy annoyance, mosquitoes are in fact the deadliest creatures on Earth. They can carry dangerous diseases and more deaths have been reported as a result of their bites than any other animal. With around 176 species that live in the U.S., it’s important to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home as best as possible.
When used in conjunction with a mosquito control program, repellents are the most effective way to trap mosquitoes and combat the diseases they may spread. Consult with an Orkin Pro who can assess insect risk factors and work with you to reduce any current or future mosquito infestations.
To better control mosquitoes in the house and yard, contact your local Orkin branch for a customized mosquito control treatment program.
Identifying Mosquitoes in the House
What happens if your house is infested with mosquitoes?
Having a mosquito infestation in your home can be a nuisance and pose health risks. You will want to understand where they are coming from and have them removed as soon as possible. They may bite you, your family, and pets. Having a professional inspect the infestation and provide pest control and exclusion services is recommended.
Why are there tiny mosquitoes in my house?
Insects can be difficult to identify since they are so small. In the U.S., most adult mosquitoes are about 0.2 to 0.35 inches in length. What people call tiny mosquitoes in the house may actually be midges, gnats, and other small, non-biting and biting pests. Anything from uncovered trash, excess moisture and lights may draw these insects indoors.
Why are there big mosquitoes in my house?
Crane flies look like extra-large mosquitoes. Light is a strong attractor for these pests, which is why crane flies often fly into homes.
Additionally, some mayfly species breed in the same habitats as mosquitoes, so residents may mistake them for a bigger version of these pests. Neither mayflies nor crane flies bite or spread disease, but they sure can be an annoying nuisance.
How do mosquitoes get in the house?
In order to repel mosquitoes indoors, it’s important to know what attracts mosquitoes in the house to begin with. These pesky bloodsuckers enjoy anything that collects water. From pet water bowls to stale water puddles in window planters, make sure to empty or dispose of anything that collects water, regardless of how small and unimportant it may seem. Mosquitoes are also attracted to cool, shaded spaces and can get indoors rather easily. A few ways that mosquitoes can enter homes during the day or night are through:
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Carports
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Damaged screens
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Garages
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Open doors
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Poorly sealed windows
To keep the pests out of your home, ensure all screens, windows and doors are in good condition. It’s also beneficial to know how to get rid of mosquitoes once they’re inside the house.
Where do mosquitoes lay eggs?
If there are regularly mosquitoes in the house, check outside for anything that could hold water. These pests lay their eggs in pools of water outside the home.
Remove anything unnecessary and drain the remaining containers as soon as possible after rain showers. Various outdoor items that collect water where mosquitoes lay eggs are in:
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Birdbaths
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Discarded tires
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Garbage cans
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Toys
Why are mosquitoes in my house plants?
Overwatering plants can lead to a mosquito problem. The insects only need a small amount of water to lay eggs, which means that they can even breed in the overflow that seeps into the pot saucer of a planter. When the larvae fully develop and the winged adults emerge, people may see mosquitoes resting in their house plants or actively flying around while attempting to locate residents and/or their pets to feed on.
Why are mosquitoes in my house during winter?
Once temperatures fall below 50 degrees, female mosquitoes stop biting. Although some species die off in the fall, others hibernate in winter. On unseasonably warm days, mosquitoes may temporarily become active, but once the weather cools they will once again return to overwintering sites.
How to Prevent Mosquitoes at Home
Our Orkin Pros get many questions from customers about mosquitoes in houses. These inquiries range from how mosquitoes get inside to what issues they cause indoors. The answers to some of these questions can help with mosquito prevention and control.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Inside the House
While insect sprays and foggers are effective at getting rid of mosquitoes outdoors, using them inside a home without carefully following the use directions on the product label can be unsafe. To better control mosquitoes in the house and yard, contact your local Orkin branch. Our Orkin Pros can assess insect risk factors and work with homeowners to reduce mosquito infestations inside their homes. Mosquito treatment can help with the removal of other pests such as spotted lanternflies, which are very invasive and cause damage to the surrounding landscape.
Contact an Orkin Pro for local pest control catered to your specific needs.
