Mosquitoes

Also known as: Various Culicidae species

Identification

Slender flying insects with long proboscis. Larvae (wrigglers) in standing water. Pupae (tumblers) also aquatic.

Damage

Biting — blood-feeding females; disease vectors (West Nile, Zika, dengue, malaria)

Best Organic Solutions (Ranked)

Solutions ranked by reliability tier — start with Tier A options.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Tier A

Bti dunks/bits for standing water — kills larvae only

Spinosad Tier A

Natular granules for longer-lasting larvicide

Biological Controls

Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), dragonflies, bats (a single bat eats 1,000 mosquitoes per night), purple martins

Prevention

Eliminate standing water. Bti dunks in rain barrels, bird baths, and ponds. Change pet water bowls daily. Clean gutters.

Common Mistake

Adult mosquito sprays kill beneficials and provide only temporary relief. Larval control in standing water is 100x more effective.