Mosquitoes are more than an itch on a summer evening. Some carry diseases, and many breed in water sitting right beside the back door. The good news is that most backyard breeding sites are easy to remove. A short weekly routine makes a real difference.
This guide covers where mosquitoes breed around the home and what you can do about it. It draws on advice from the WA Department of Health and NSW Health. Local conditions vary, so check your council’s advice during mosquito season. The basic steps are the same across Australia.
Why still water matters
NSW Health says mosquitoes lay eggs on or in still and stagnant water. A single batch can hold more than 300 eggs. The eggs need standing water for about a week to finish developing. That is why emptying containers once a week can stop a new generation from emerging.
Some species breed in very small amounts of water. NSW Health gives the example of a discarded drink can. The WA Department of Health notes that mosquitoes breed in fresh or salty water. They often use containers that hold water.
Common breeding spots around the home
The HealthyWA guide to preventing mosquito bites at home lists the usual suspects. Most of them are in plain sight in a typical backyard. A quick walk around the yard after rain will show you where water collects. Common sites include the following.
- Pot plant drip trays
- Roof gutters
- Ponds and water features
- Pet water bowls and bird baths
- Old tyres, buckets and toys
- Rubbish and containers left outside
- Swimming pools that are not well maintained
A simple weekly routine
Both health departments suggest acting at least once a week. NSW Health sums it up as “Screen up, Clean up”. Empty, clean and refill bird baths, pet water bowls and stock troughs each week. Tip out or throw away any container or rubbish that holds water.
Store buckets, toys and anything else that can catch water under cover or somewhere dry. Keep your bins covered. NSW Health also suggests removing leaves from plants that hold water.
Mow the lawn regularly and cut back vegetation around the house. The WA Department of Health says this leaves mosquitoes with less shelter. These jobs sit easily inside your usual lawn and garden maintenance. A short walk around the yard each weekend can cover most of it.
Pot plants and drip trays
HealthyWA lists drip trays under pot plants as a common breeding site. NSW Health suggests filling pot plant bases with sand. The sand stops water from sitting as an open pool. You can also tip trays out each week when you water.
Gutters, tanks and drains
Blocked roof gutters can hold water long after rain stops. NSW Health recommends clearing drains and gutters so water runs freely. The WA Department of Health also advises cleaning out roof gutters. Check them after storms and in autumn when leaves drop. Gutters are easy to forget because you cannot see into them from the ground.
Rainwater tanks need proper screening. The WA Department of Health advises covering rainwater tanks, septic tank openings and wells with mosquito proof mesh. NSW Health gives the same advice for septic and rainwater tank openings. Check the mesh from time to time for gaps or damage.
Pools, ponds and water features
A well kept swimming pool is not the problem. HealthyWA lists pools that are not well maintained as a breeding site. Keep the water clean and free of debris, and empty wading pools at the end of each day. If an older pool needs work, these tips for renovating your swimming pool can help get it back in shape.
Ponds need a different approach. The WA Department of Health suggests stocking backyard ponds with fish to eat mosquito larvae. It also advises keeping pond edges free of vegetation. NSW Health suggests emptying and wiping out water features regularly.
Look at the ground around the pool as well. Pool toys, buckets and covers left near the water can all hold rain. Tip them out and store them dry, as NSW Health suggests for anything that collects water. A tidy pool area also makes it easier to keep an eye on gates and glass pool fencing.
Pets and water bowls
Pets need fresh water, and a stale bowl can become a breeding site. Both health departments list pet water bowls as a place to check. Empty, clean and refill them at least once a week. Pet owners already keep on top of plenty of cleaning, from bowls to carpet cleaning for pet owners.
Keeping mosquitoes out of the house
Removing breeding sites is the first step, but screens help too. NSW Health recommends fly screens on windows, doors, vents and chimneys. Mosquito coils can be used outdoors in well ventilated areas. Insecticide sprays and vapour dispensing units are other options.
The WA Department of Health also mentions residual barrier sprays on buildings, structures and plants. Always follow the product label if you use these. If mosquitoes remain a problem after you clean up, contact the environmental health officer at your local council. The NSW Health advice on mosquito reduction notes that councils may fog or spray outdoors to reduce local numbers.
Mosquito season
NSW Health runs mosquito surveillance from about October or November through to April or May each year. Those warmer months are when backyard breeding sites matter most. Start your weekly routine as the weather warms up. Keep going after heavy rain, when containers and gutters fill again.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I empty water containers?
At least once a week. NSW Health says eggs need standing water for about a week to develop. Emptying containers weekly breaks that cycle.
Do fish help in backyard ponds?
Yes, the WA Department of Health suggests stocking ponds with fish to eat mosquito larvae. Keeping the pond edges clear of plants also helps. NSW Health mentions introducing a local species of fish as one option for farm dams.
Can mosquitoes spread disease in Australia?
Yes. NSW Health highlights Japanese encephalitis as one mosquito borne disease. Your state health department publishes current warnings during the season.
Who do I contact if mosquitoes are still a problem?
Start with the environmental health officer at your local council. The WA Department of Health suggests this step for persistent problems. Councils may also run their own control programs.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. If you have health concerns, speak with a doctor or qualified health professional.