What Makes LA's Year-Round Mosquito Problem Worse Than Other States?

What Draws Mosquitoes to Homes in Los Angeles?

The mosquito problem in Los Angeles is one that many residents dread. The lack of a hard winter freeze allows mosquitoes to continue nesting and breeding throughout the year, while the moderate to high temperatures ensure a multitude of breeding areas. The micro-climates created in Los Angeles contribute to the mosquito problem as they create an extensive network of nesting and breeding grounds. Local drainage areas provide protected areas for mosquitoes to lay eggs and avoid predators. Neighborhood landscaping creates areas where mosquitoes can nest under mature tree canopies, within tall blades of grass, and in dense vegetation within local parks.

Mosquitoes can lay 100-300 eggs at a time in only one teaspoon of water. Heavily watered lawns, damp garden beds, and blocked downspouts create areas where water can pool and stagnate. These areas encourage mosquitoes to lay their eggs while typically remaining overlooked and untouched. Backyard foliage and leftover leaf litter help to create small pockets of shade and humidity where mosquitoes can steer clear of the afternoon heat. As people pass by these areas, mosquitoes are drawn to the scent of CO2 and body heat as they locate a passing host. 

The Aedes mosquito is known to bite and hunt actively during the day as opposed to strictly operating around dusk and dawn. This leads to an increasing number of mosquito bites and pressure for local residents, and with concerns of West Nile Virus growing due to the Culex mosquitoes, residents begin to seek out effective mosquito control options.

Reduce Mosquito Activity in Your Los Angeles Yard

In order to reduce mosquito activity around your yard in Los Angeles, it’s important to address the environments that encourage their presence. Areas such as flower pots, children’s toys, and backyard bird baths can house small amounts of water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. To reduce this, it’s important to dump standing water on a regular basis. Whether you notice standing water along covered patio furniture, trash bin lids, or within gutters, these areas encourage mosquitoes to lay eggs and complete their hatching cycle.

Dense vegetation, mature trees, and tall grasses encourage mosquito nesting throughout the day. If your home borders a local park, creek, or nature reserve, you can reduce mosquito transition zones by trimming the borders of your property. Keep grasses trimmed low, trim back bushes and shrubs, and remove any leaf litter to reduce the areas where mosquitoes nest and wait throughout the day. If you have a porch deck, ensure the area underneath it is clear of debris. This overlooked area allows mosquitoes to remain protected from the wind and sun, ensuring the humidity stays trapped and small pools of water collect for breeding.

For outdoor gatherings, consider using mosquito repellent or citronella candles to repel mosquitoes. These tools help to reduce the ability for mosquitoes to track your scent and sweat, in hopes to reduce the amount of mosquito bites received outdoors. Mosquito dunks can be placed in areas where deep standing water is common, such as bird baths or outdoor buckets, in order to reduce mosquito breeding. Mosquito dunks release a bacteria which mosquito larvae feed on, ultimately reducing their ability to grow into adults.

To learn more ways to address the mosquito activity in your yard, read The 7 T’s of Mosquito Control and check out our dedicated Los Angeles blog.

Professional Mosquito Control Services in Los Angeles

Mosquito Squad Plus offers comprehensive mosquito control for Los Angeles homes. Our traditional mosquito control treatment, Barrier Treatment Plus, is designed to reduce mosquitoes by 85-90% for up to 21 days. This potent insecticide will be used to target areas where mosquitoes typically nest and breed, and is fully backed by our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

For Los Angeles residents seeking plant-based options, we also offer a natural treatment blend of botanical oils which reduces and controls mosquitoes for up to 14 days.

For Reliable Mosquito Control in Los Angeles, CA Near You

Ready to take back your Los Angeles yard from mosquitoes? Call Mosquito Squad Plus of Los Angeles at (818) 350-8870 or contact us online for a free quote.