Less Commonly Known Breeding Grounds for Mosquitoes

Many of us know that mosquitoes need water to breed and it does not to be much, even a ¼ inch is enough - think of a soda bottle cap with water, that’s all they need. Standing water in gutters, bird baths, buckets, wading pools and outside drains are commonly known breeding grounds, but there are more, less commonly known areas where mosquitoes can breed. The water does not even need to be clean, as mosquitoes also thrive in polluted waters.

Florida is a prime breeding ground due to rain and our tropical climate and we spend time outdoors year-round given our beautiful weather. If these less common breeding grounds are not properly addressed, you may end up with annoying bites, or even worse, mosquito borne diseases. Keep reading to learn more.

Residential Properties & Water Sources

Inspect your property to see if you have any of these culprits that may collect and/or attract mosquitoes.

• Flowering Plants – Many homeowners have flowering plants to accent their property and landscaping. However, these flowering plants produce nectar which mosquitoes love and feed on. If you have flowering plants, keep them away from your outdoor living space where yo spend time such as lanais, pool areas, decks, docks, doorways, porches and children’s play areas. If you want accent plants in these areas, consider plants that actually repel mosquitoes such as; lemongrass, catnip, marigolds, lavender, mint and even herbs such as rosemary, basil and thyme. Remember to check saucers and dump any water that may have gathered.
• Outdoor Fire Pits – Yes, even outdoor fire pits filled with ash can be a breeding ground. You need to make sure that they have adequate drainage to prevent rain water from collecting.
• Garbage & Recycle Cans – These often collect water on the bottom and if the lids are up-turned they may collect water there as well. Be sure to check these cans, dump water from the bottom and keep lids closed.
• Yard Waste – When trimming shrubs, palm trees and lawns, dispose of them (palm tree fronds, leaves, grass clippings, etc.) timely. This yard waste produces extra nutrients which means extra food for mosquitoes.
• Dripping Water Faucets – These may not produce a large amount of standing water but they can produce enough to create a breeding ground. Check faucets after each use, by you and even your landscaper and ensure they are tightly closed.
• Children’s Toys – These toys may have small compartments where rain water may gather. Check such toys after rain and dump any water that may have collected.
• Pet Water Bowls & Feces – Pet water bowls are a great breeding grounds, be sure to dump water and clean water bowls frequently. Pet feces may also contaminate water sources so be sure to clean up animal waste.

Urban and Commercial Properties

Residential properties are not the only type that may create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Urban areas and cities are not immune. Mosquitoes will often breed in underground parking structures, mechanical rooms, stairwells and dumpsters. If you live and work in one of these properties and are getting bitten, notify the Property Manager and/or Your Home Owners Association.

What Else Can You Do?

Contact Mosquito Squad of Tampa Bay at tampabay@mosquitosquad.com or call us at 813-502-0505 so we can discuss your property and the best treatment plan for you. During each visit, our licensed and highly trained Technicians will inspect your property and identify these less common breeding areas and will communicate them to you. Mosquito Squad’s service will also treat standing water sources, such as drains with larvicide to prevent mosquito larvae from hatching. Mosquito Squad of Tampa Bay will help you “Fight the Bite”. Don’t delay, call today.