Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are a common summer pest throughout Ontario, becoming especially active during warm, humid weather. Around homes, cottages, farms, and other properties, they can quickly make yards, patios, and other outdoor spaces uncomfortable to use.

Female mosquitoes require a blood meal to produce eggs and may bite people and animals, while male mosquitoes feed primarily on plant nectar. Mosquito populations can build quickly wherever suitable breeding conditions are available, particularly in areas where standing water collects.

Understanding where mosquitoes are coming from and what allows them to thrive around your property can help reduce their numbers and make outdoor spaces more enjoyable throughout mosquito season.

Why Are There So Many Mosquitoes Around My Property?

Mosquito activity is often highest on properties that provide both breeding sites and sheltered places to rest. Standing water is especially important because mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near water, and even small amounts can support developing larvae.

Common conditions that can contribute to higher mosquito activity include:

Containers, buckets, planters, or other items that collect rainwater
Birdbaths and other sources of standing water
Clogged eavestroughs
Tarps, covers, or outdoor equipment that hold water
Dense vegetation and shaded areas
Low-lying areas where water collects after rainfall
Nearby ponds, wetlands, ditches, or other natural water sources

Warm temperatures and frequent rainfall can also cause mosquito populations to increase quickly during the spring and summer.

Where Do Mosquitoes Breed?

Mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle, which means breeding sites can develop anywhere water is allowed to sit for several days. Some are obvious, while others can be easy to overlook.

Around homes and properties, mosquitoes may breed in:

Birdbaths
Buckets and containers
Flowerpots and plant saucers
Clogged eavestroughs
Wheelbarrows and outdoor equipment
Tarps and covers that collect rainwater
Old tires
Children's toys
Low spots in lawns or gardens
Ditches, ponds, and other nearby water sources

Regularly emptying or removing unnecessary standing water can help reduce the number of potential breeding sites around a property.

Do Mosquitoes Spread Disease?

Most mosquito bites in Ontario result in temporary itching, redness, or swelling, but mosquitoes can also transmit certain diseases.

The primary mosquito-borne disease of concern in Ontario is West Nile virus. The virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected do not develop serious illness, although more severe complications can occur in some cases.\

Other mosquito-borne illnesses, including Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, are generally associated with travel to parts of the world where the mosquitoes that spread these diseases are established.

Reducing mosquito bites and limiting mosquito breeding sites around your property can help lower your exposure during mosquito season.

How Can I Reduce Mosquitoes Around My Property?

One of the most effective ways to reduce mosquito activity is to limit the places where they can breed and rest around your property.

You can help by:

Emptying standing water from buckets, planters, toys, and other containers
Refreshing birdbath water regularly
Keeping eavestroughs and drainage areas clear
Storing outdoor items so they do not collect rainwater
Fixing low spots where water tends to pool
Keeping grass, weeds, and dense vegetation under control
Using screens on windows and doors to help keep mosquitoes outside

Because mosquitoes can also travel from neighbouring properties and nearby natural areas, eliminating standing water on your own property may not remove them completely, but it can help reduce local breeding opportunities.

Mosquito Control Services

When mosquito activity is making it difficult to enjoy your yard or outdoor space, Rural Routes Pest Control can assess the property and recommend an appropriate control approach based on the conditions present.

Because every property is different, the technician will determine the most suitable treatment strategy on-site. Factors such as mosquito activity, surrounding vegetation, standing water, property layout, and nearby breeding areas can all affect the approach.

Mosquito control may be suitable for:

Residential properties
Cottages and rural properties
Patios and outdoor entertaining areas
Properties preparing for outdoor events
Seasonal mosquito concerns
Ongoing mosquito activity throughout the warmer months

For properties with recurring mosquito pressure, ongoing service options may also be available.

Take Back Your Outdoor Space

Don’t let mosquitoes keep you from enjoying your yard. Rural Routes Pest Control can assess your property and recommend a mosquito control approach based on the conditions present.

to discuss your mosquito concerns and available service options.