Mosquito Season Is Here—What Actually Helps?
by Jill Douglass
With summer in full swing—and all the rain we’ve been getting—mosquitoes are definitely making themselves at home in our neighborhood. While their bites are mostly just irritating, in some cases mosquitoes can carry diseases, so it’s worth taking a few steps to limit their presence.
It’s tempting to think that spraying your yard with pesticides will solve the problem, but unfortunately it’s not that simple. Mosquito populations are very resilient, and even after treatment, they tend to bounce back quickly.
More importantly, those sprays don’t just affect mosquitoes—they also harm beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, fireflies, ladybugs, and caterpillars. These insects play important roles in pollinating plants, breaking down organic material, and supporting the food chain for birds, frogs, and lizards. In addition, many pesticides can pose risks to people and can wash into our waterways, where aquatic life is especially sensitive.
The good news is that there are safer, more targeted ways to reduce mosquito populations:
Eliminate standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water, so dumping out containers, unclogging drains, and keeping items like buckets and flowerpots dry can make a big difference.
Set simple mosquito traps using dunks. For water that can’t be removed, you can turn it into part of the solution. Place a bucket of water in a shaded area and add a mosquito dunk containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). The water attracts female mosquitoes looking for a place to lay eggs—but the Bti kills the larvae before they mature. In effect, you’re creating a trap that helps reduce the next generation of mosquitoes. Best of all, Bti is safe for people, pets, birds, and fish. For more info, visit: Mosquito Bucket of Death Video
These steps can significantly reduce mosquito numbers, though they won’t eliminate them entirely.
To protect yourself while outdoors:
Use mosquito repellent (products without DEET are great for everyday use, though DEET can provide stronger protection when needed).
Sit near a fan—mosquitoes are weak fliers and have trouble navigating moving air.
Wear long sleeves and pants when practical (though that’s admittedly not always easy in a Texas summer!).
In short: While there’s no perfect solution, focusing on prevention and personal protection works better—and is far more environmentally friendly—than relying on chemical sprays.
Stay cool and bite-free this summer!
How to Make Your Own Mosquito Bucket of Doom
- Fill a 2–5 gal bucket 2/3 with water and add a handful of dry leaves and fresh grass. Add more grass each time you add dunks.
- Add a Mosquito Dunk: Use 1/4—1/2 of a mosquito dunk (wildlife-friendly and kid-safe). Replace dunk monthly.
- Add wire mesh on top of the bucket to keep small animals from falling in or a place a “Rescue Stick” inside so they can climb out.
- Set buckets in shady spots around your yard & share your magic with your neighbors!
