I’m a mosquito magnet. I don’t know what it is about me, but they skip other people and come straight for me. I can’t even leave my garage door open because I’m constantly bitten by these annoying bugs.
Last summer, I started looking at ways to keep mosquitoes out of my garage. I’ve tested quite a few of them and wanted to share what I found.
I know I’m not the only person that finds mosquitoes annoying, so I hope this helps you.
The most effective way to keep mosquitoes out of a garage is to remove any standing water in the vicinity since mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water. Additionally, installing door screens and using insecticides, mosquito traps, and insect-repellent plants can keep mosquitoes at bay.
This article explains why there are mosquitoes in your garage and ways to get rid of them. It also contains a list of mosquito-repellent plants.
Why Are Mosquitoes in My Garage?
Growing up, I had a creek running through my backyard. So I’ve always known that mosquitoes need water, and they especially love when the water is calm and still.
Female mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water and only need a few inches of water to breed.
Common places mosquitoes breed include:
- Tires
- Buckets
- Birdbaths
- Flower pots
- Trash can lids
- Rainwater barrels
- Ponds and ditches
- Areas with tall grasses
- Clogged drains and gutters
It takes as little as 14 days for adult mosquitoes to emerge from the eggs. Because garages are frequently left open to keep them cool, it is one of the first places the newly developed mosquitoes visit.
Additionally, any standing water in the garage itself, such as in tires, buckets, or puddles from leaky roofs, will be prime breeding grounds for any mosquitoes that do find their way into your garage.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Garage
Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying pests.
Believe it or not, they’re considered the world’s deadliest animals.
They are malaria carriers and can spread diseases like the Zika virus, dengue, and yellow fever.
Here are a few steps you can take to make your garage and yard less habitable for these pesky insects.
Remove Stagnant Water
Most mosquito species travel 1 to 3 miles from their breeding area to find food.
I don’t know about you, but I’d like to be as far away from their breeding ground as possible.
So, the first and most important step is to remove any standing water on your property. This is the best way I’ve found of repelling mosquitoes since it prevents females from laying eggs.
No mosquito eggs = no new mosquitoes.
Here are some tips that you might not have thought about:
- Locate and fix any leaky roofs that result in puddles.
- Invest in drains to fix any puddles that do not disappear in 24 hours.
- Turn over buckets and similar containers after each use.
- Ensure that drains and gutters are not clogged.
- Change water in pet bowls, flowerpots, and birdbaths daily. This will eliminate any eggs that may have been laid in the water.
Biological Mosquito Control
There may be times when you don’t want to remove ponds or pools on your property.
In that case, you can control mosquito populations by biological means.
The Bti bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis) release toxins that effectively kill various mosquito species, fungus gnats, and firefly larvae. The bacterium does not harm humans and has little to no effect on other species.
Animals like the mosquitofish (Gambusia affins) that feed on mosquito larvae can be introduced to human-made ponds to control mosquito populations.
They can consume hundreds of mosquito larvae daily.
Note that mosquitofish are only possible controlling measures if the pond is human-made and does not flow into streams or rivers. The fish is aggressive and can harm other fish.
Always check with your local Fish & Wildlife Service before introducing any invasive species into the environment!
Install a Door Screen
Garage doors are the largest open surface in our homes. During cool nights, I love to leave my garage door open while I work.
But that gives the mosquitoes free access to my garage.
One way to solve that is to install a screen door around the frame of your garage. This will allow you to enjoy the breeze while preventing mosquitoes from entering.
Block Holes, Repair Cracks
Another easy fix (and one you should do regularly anyway) is to locate and repair any holes or cracks in the walls, doors, garage windows, and screens.
Not only do they allow mosquitoes in, but they let other insects in as well.
Seal off any gaps in your garage before you start using stronger measures like insecticides and door screens.
Use Insecticide
Speaking of insecticides, they’re one of the only guaranteed ways to get rid of mosquitoes already in your garage.
Female mosquitoes can live for up to three weeks after they bite you, so having one alive in your garage could mean many future bites down the road.
Always wear protective gear when spraying insecticides to prevent the chemicals from getting on your hands or in your lungs.
When you spray, pay particular attention to corners, floors, and dark or damp areas, as these are areas where mosquitoes (and other bugs) like to hang out.
One major drawback to insecticides is that you can not remain in the room after spraying. Insecticides can be harmful to humans as well.
Be sure to read the label to find out how much time must elapse before you can return to the garage.
Another disadvantage is that after the insecticides have killed insects in the garage, you can not open the door again, as doing so will attract mosquitoes nearby.
Use Mosquito Traps
Mosquito traps are an effective way of getting rid of mosquitoes. These devices emit carbon dioxide, which has been shown to attract mosquitoes.
Once the device attracts the mosquitoes, it kills them. Since female mosquitoes are the only ones to bite, these traps can significantly reduce mosquito populations.
An advantage of mosquito traps is that they allow you to be in the garage as they work, unlike insecticides.
Natural Mosquito Repellents for Garages
Besides chemical insecticides, door screens, and traps, you can take a natural approach to eliminate mosquitoes from your garage.
The scent of some plants will repel mosquitoes without being toxic to pets and children.
That means you can grow them around your home, garden, and flower pots in your garage.
The following are some mosquito-repellant plants you can plant around your home. For best results, use more than one.
Lemongrass
You might enjoy the citrusy smell of lemongrass, but mosquitoes do not.
Lemongrass can also be grown as indoor plants. Add several in your garage to scent the place and keep the mosquitoes away.
Lavenders
My mum’s favorite flower, lavenders are beautiful plants that smell great to humans. However, mosquitoes do not enjoy the smell and will give lavenders a wide berth.
With proper care, you can keep the plants potted in your garage.
Rosemary
Rosemary adds a great flavor to your meals, but mosquitoes typically avoid this herb.
Onions
Sulfuric compounds in onions can repel mosquitoes.
Cutting and placing some around your garage may help to combat mosquitoes.
Garlic
If you do not mind the smell of garlic, then you can grow some in your garden. Cut up the cloves into small bits and spread them around your garage.
Citronella Grass
This green tropical grass contains small amounts of citronellol, geraniol, and citral. These compounds that have been shown to repel insects, including mosquitoes.
Peppermint
Humans may like the smell of mint, but mosquitoes do not share the same appreciation. Peppermint is also an excellent spider repellent for your garage.
Basil
Basil is an excellent spice for meals and a deterrent for mosquitoes. You can grow basil indoors.
Marigolds
Here’s one that humans and mosquitoes have in common: marigolds.
Most people don’t like the scent of marigolds, and neither do mosquitoes. Adding this plant near your garage can force mosquitoes away from your home.
Wrapping It Up
Due to the garage’s location, and the practice of leaving its door open, this area is perhaps the one most plagued by mosquitoes. These insects not only constitute a nuisance, but they are also a health hazard from mosquito-borne illnesses.
The most effective way to deter mosquitoes is to remove stagnant water from your surroundings. Since mosquitoes breed in standing water, this will help reduce the mosquito population.
Insecticides and mosquito traps can help kill mosquitoes. Biological methods, Door screens, and certain plants can repel mosquitoes buzzing around your garage.
