Tired of mosquitoes taking over your yard? Warmer temperatures combined with increased rainfall and standing water can quickly lead to a rise in mosquito populations. Mosquito control is most effective when it focuses on disrupting their life cycle early, before populations build through the summer months.
Because mosquitoes rely on standing water to lay their eggs and develop, reducing or treating these areas around your property is the most effective way to limit their numbers.
Prevention Options
Mosquito control is most effective when it focuses on preventing breeding sites around your property. The following steps can help reduce mosquito activity and limit mosquito breeding.
- Remove Standing Water
- Mosquitoes require still water to lay eggs
- Regularly empty items such as toys, flowerpots, watering cans, buckets, and wheelbarrows
- Refresh birdbaths at least once per week, or use an agitator to keep water moving
- Check for pooled water after rainfall, including low-lying areas and tarps
- Maintain Your Yard
- Mosquitoes rest in tall grass and dense vegetation during the day
- Regular mowing and trimming reduce shaded resting areas near living spaces
- Keep Drainage Areas Clear
- Clean gutters regularly to prevent blockages and standing water
- Ensure water drains away from structures and does not pool around the home
Treatment Options
Even with good prevention practices, some standing water may be unavoidable on certain properties. When this occurs, targeted larval control treatments can help prevent mosquitoes from developing in the water before they emerge as adults.
Mosquito Dunks (BTI-based biological control)
- Available at most garden and hardware stores
- A naturally occurring bacterium that targets mosquito larvae in standing water
- Safe for use in birdbaths, rain barrels, and ornamental water features when used as directed
- Most effective when applied early and may need to be refreshed depending on conditions and product instructions
Mosquito Control Kits
- The Prairie Environmental Services Mosquito Control Kit provides product, equipment, and application guidance for residents managing small water sources on their property. See the bottom of this webpage for more information.
- These kits can help ensure consistent and effective treatment where standing water regularly occurs
Contractor Services
- Licensed contractors may have access to additional mosquito control products and application methods that are not available to homeowners and can be a good option for persistent issues or larger properties.
- For a list of contractors in Rocky View County, please contact the Agricultural & Environmental Services team at 403-230-1401 or AgServices@rockyview.ca.