How to Kill Mosquito Larvae in Standing Water

It is almost inevitable to deal with mosquitoes. And it doesn’t matter how many times and the amount of repellants you use; they will remain a nuisance. In case mosquitoes have taken over the yard regularly, there are some ways in which you can kill the mosquito larvae that are present in standing water. Killing them before they turn into an adult is the best way to make your space mosquito-free. Read on to learn how they breed in standing water and how you can get rid of them:

How do mosquitoes breed?

Mosquitoes breed in standing water as it is safe from predators. Most animals like fish live in deeper water or moving water, allowing mosquitoes to breed in shallow parts of ponds and marshes. The mosquito larvae live there and eat whatever microorganisms and algae they can find. Since they don’t have gills, they breathe through a siphon, an anatomical ‘snorkel.’

The larvae hatch in 1 to 3 days. They appear like wriggling worms which is why some people also call them wrigglers. About 7 to 10 days later, they turn into a pupa, which is larger and has a different shape. They don’t feed in this phase and move less. They float under the surface and wait to emerge, which can take 1 to 3 days.

Ways to Kill Mosquito Larvae in Standing Water

There is a two-week window between the mosquito laying eggs and when the new mosquitoes start becoming a problem. So, here are a few ways to kill mosquito larvae in standing water:

1. Remove the water

The simplest way to kill the mosquito larvae is to remove the standing water. However, it won’t be possible in the case of harder-to-reach or larger water bodies. They can survive outside of water.

Even though they don’t suffocate on land, they won’t have any means to find food. So, they will either dry out, get eaten by a predator, or starve. Pupa can’t survive without water, either. However, since they don’t feed, occasionally, they can pull through and emerge.

2. Mosquito-eating fish

There are several fishes that eat mosquito larvae. If the standing water has the resources and space to house fish safely, this will be the best way for you to get rid of the mosquito larvae. You won’t need pesticides that are harmful to the environment, and you will save money on fish food.

3. Keep the water moving

Even though this is a very effective technique, it isn’t always possible. Mosquito larvae can survive only in stagnant water. They can’t handle moving water.

So, if you have decorative standing water like a water feature or a fountain, you can use this method. Use a submersible pump to add motion to the water and get rid of the mosquitoes.

4. Oils

Oils like vegetables and olive oil can be used for killing mosquito larvae. They coat the surface, making it impossible for the larvae to breathe. As a result, they suffocate and die. It is important to note that you shouldn’t use this method if the water has other living organisms like fish as it will harm them too.

5. Apple cider vinegar

This is another pesticide-free, natural solution. However, it is not as good at killing mosquito larvae as oils. Also, you will need a much higher concentration to make it work. It will take about a day to kill the mosquito larvae.

6. Soap

Soap is toxic to a lot of animals, including mosquito larvae. You can use a small amount of soap (just mm per gallon of water) in standing water to kill any larvae. It will do the work within a day.

In the case of extreme mosquito issues, there are some special soaps containing mosquitoes that will do the job. Regardless of the soap you are using, don’t use it in water that has other living organisms in it.

7. Pesticide products

Pesticides are very effective in getting rid of mosquitoes. However, as long as there are alternatives, you shouldn’t use them as they are bad for the environment. In extreme situations, these might be your only choice. You can use a mosquito bomb, a commercial formulation for larval pesticides that contain methoprene.

These are some ways of killing mosquito larvae in standing water. However, if you are still not able to get rid of them, you can rely on effective backyard Mosquito control systems out there. Alternatively, you might also contact pest control professionals to get the job done.