How to Kill Mosquitos in Standing Water

1 Jun 2025

The best mosquito control in standing water is to dump out the water. Of course that is overly simplistic when it comes to practical mosquito control. This is especially true when there are natural parts of the landscaping that continually refill with water. Some water sources such as natural tree holes require something besides dumping. By exploring the relationship between mosquitoes and water, you can reduce the number of mosquitoes and stop the bites.

A close-up shot captures a mosquito with dark, slender legs and a noticeable proboscis (feeding tube) embedded in light-colored human skin. Tiny hairs are visible on the skin's surface, and the area around where the mosquito is feeding appears slightly raised or irritated, suggesting a bite is in progress. The background is blurred and dark, keeping the focus on the mosquito and the skin.

Why Standing Water Attracts Mosquitoes

Mosquito standing water is water that has little to no surface movement. This kind of water is ideal for mosquitoes to lay their eggs so they can float on top and breathe. During their tumbler stage, they will dive down in the water, do a few summersaults and come up for air. Standing water tends to allow many things to grow in it which provides a more robust food source for the mosquito larva as well. The best way to kill mosquitoes is to find standing water and eliminate it through drainage, dumping, or installing an agitator that will keep the surface unstable.

The Best Way to Kill Mosquito Larvae in Water

If you want to effectively kill mosquitoes in water, you will be selecting products that target mosquitoes in their larval form. Mosquitos undergo metamorphosis and are well protected in the egg and pupal stages. It is during the larval or adult stage where they are most susceptible to treatment. Keep in mind that floodwater mosquitoes don’t need a water source as deep as a pond or lake. They can complete their reproductive process with just mud.

A very close-up, high-angle shot shows a large, light brown mosquito resting on a dark, slightly textured surface, possibly a car dashboard or table. The mosquito's body, legs, and delicate, transparent wings are clearly visible, with some debris or dust scattered around it.

Mosquito Treatment for Ponds and Yard Water

Larvicides are designed for placement in holding ponds or other bodies of water that do not have enough surface movement to discourage mosquito egg laying. Larvicides typically come in the form of granules or briquettes that time-release a product that will kill mosquito larvae.

When considering mosquito treatment for ponds, ensure you are familiar with state and local regulations on what can be applied to the pond. The label on the product may indicate whether it is safe to use, but local regulations could supersede the labeling on the product. If larvicides are not an option for a body of water, you can get some Gambusia affinis fish to gobble up the larvae.

Top Mosquito Control Methods: Sprays, Traps, and Nets

Mosquito control has multiple facets. It can include prevention, mosquito repellent, larvicides, and adulticides. Prevention can include doing things to prevent mosquitoes from reproducing, such as reducing their habitat or using a mosquito net that stops them from accessing certain areas. Mosquito nets are especially helpful for situations where you are traveling, such as camping.

Another option is a mosquito trap, which lures mosquitoes in but doesn’t allow them to escape. Traps typically aren’t effective at getting rid of mosquitoes on their own, but can help reduce the nuisance along with other methods.

Choosing the Best Mosquito Killer for Your Yard

The best mosquito killer is interrupting the reproductive process. Mosquito spray, in the form of spray-on repellent or a spray that kills them, will help supplement that process. Liquids for mosquito treatment can target the adult mosquito or act as an insect growth regulator. Insect growth regulators send signals that interfere with the mosquito’s reproductive development.

The best way to get rid of mosquitoes in yard situations is to apply treatment to the areas where mosquitoes nest and rest. Of course, you should start with reducing standing water throughout the yard and surrounding areas. After that, you can target foliage and other landscaping areas that provide shade for mosquitoes during the heat of the day.

How to Use Mosquito Repellent and Mosquito Spray Effectively

Mosquito repellants may be designed to be applied to large areas of landscaping or to a person’s skin or clothing. The personal repellant should be applied to the outermost layer where it can send its stay-away signal to mosquitoes uninhibited.

Mosquito sprays should be applied according to its label. Most are going to indicate application within 50 feet of a structure focusing on the undersides of leaves.

Getting Rid of Mosquitoes With Rove Pest Control

Whether you prefer to kill mosquito larvae in water or have them drop dead off of landscape leaves, Rove Pest Control has the solution for you. Rove mosquito pros are the best mosquito killer because they incorporate all of the applicable tools to the solution. The best way to get rid of mosquitoes is to call Rove Pest Control and turn their expertise loose on the annoying blood suckers.