The breeding sites people miss are usually the small, hidden ones like clogged gutters, plant pot saucers, tarps with folds that trap water, and corrugated downspout extensions. Mosquitoes only need a tablespoon of standing water to lay a batch of eggs.
Most homeowners know it’s not a good idea to leave a lot of standing water around. But the breeding sites that keep producing mosquitoes all summer are often the ones people walk past every day without giving a second thought.
Clogged gutters are probably the single most overlooked breeding source. They're out of sight, they hold water for weeks at a time, and they run the entire length of the house. A single clogged gutter can produce more mosquitoes than every ground-level container in your yard combined.
Corrugated downspout extensions are another big one. The ridged interior holds small pockets of water even when the extension appears to be draining. Those pockets are enough for mosquitoes to breed.
Tarps are deceptively common for breeding mosquitoes. A tarp over a boat, wood pile, or piece of equipment almost always develops folds and sags over time, and many of those can collect water.
Plant pot saucers sitting under containers on patios and porches are also common sources of trouble. After a rain, they fill up and stay full. They’re small and tucked beneath pots, so they’re very easy to miss.
Kids’ toys are also a common source of standing water. Mosquitoes aren’t shy about breeding in wagons and sand table lids. The same is true for pet water bowls that get refilled but not regularly dumped.
Lastly, there are also natural places where standing water can pool. Low spots in the yard are one, as are tree hollows and stumps. All can hold enough water to produce another generation of mosquitoes.
If you'd like help identifying and controlling mosquito breeding on your Southwest Michigan property, Mosquito Squad of Southwest Michigan can help. Mosquito Squad treats the areas where mosquitoes breed and rest, reducing populations by up to 90% for 21 days at a time with regular technician visits.
