The Overlooked Way To Keep Mosquitoes Out Of Your Bird Bath Is So Simple

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Around here, we love a bird bath. They add texture and structure to the garden, and not to mention, bring all the birds to the yard. There is one rather large downside to bird baths, though: mosquitoes. These pests aren't just aggravating; they carry scary diseases like West Nile. And trying to keep them out of your yard can feel like, well, trying to keep a mosquito from biting you. Is there a way to keep mosquitoes out of your bird bath? Yes, and all you need is your hose and your favorite nozzle. (It's okay, we all have a favorite.)

Regularly spraying down your bird bath with your hose is the easiest way to prevent mosquitoes from being attracted to your yard. After all, they love still freshwater that usually has some plant detritus and other debris floating around. Mosquito eggs, larvae, and pupae (think of them as teenage mosquitoes) need the stagnant freshwater to survive into adulthood. That's why adding movement is a secret ingredient to killing mosquito larvae in your bird bath; it gets rid of the eggs and pupae, and makes your bird bath a less hospitable place for mosquitoes to move in.

Pulling out your hose to keep mosquitoes and their larvae at bay is not a one-and-done thing. Mosquitoes grow from larvae to pupae to adults within about seven days, meaning it's crucial to spray the bird bath down at least once a week, or more regularly if preferred, to interrupt the growth cycle. Mosquitoes are especially active in the early morning and evening hours, so spraying during these times is ideal. When spraying the bird bath, hold the hose's nozzle over the basin long enough to break up any stagnant areas and create movement throughout the whole basin.

If you don't have the time to head outside with your hose a few times a week, no problem. There are a few other ways to add movement to your bird bath's basin, including a water wriggler like this API Bird Bath Water Circulator or a fountain pump such as Mademax 1W Solar Bird Bath Fountain Pump. Make sure to clean these devices regularly, following the manufacturer's instructions, to keep them operating in top shape.

Are there other ways to keep mosquitoes away? Absolutely. First, check on the bird bath every two days, if not daily. This way, you can keep the water full for the birds and see if any mosquitoes have moved in. Pour out the old water and refill the bird bath every four days, then scrub it clean weekly with white vinegar and baking soda to get rid of any organisms, debris, or plants that might attract mosquitoes.