The reason for many mosquitoes at home is usually standing water near or inside the house where they breed. The female lays eggs on the water surface, and new mosquitoes emerge in about one to two weeks. Even a plant saucer with a little water can produce dozens of mosquitoes.
Where mosquitoes breed in and around the home
- Plant pot saucers and water collecting under them.
- AC drip water if it pools somewhere.
- Water tanks left open or with loose lids.
- Drains and unused bathrooms.
- Buckets, barrels and old tyres on the roof and in the yard.
- Fountains and pools that are not cleaned.
Why are there many mosquitoes in the bathroom?
- Drains hold moisture and a little water, and some mosquito species breed in them.
- High humidity attracts them to rest on the walls.
- Unused bathrooms become an ideal breeding spot.
Why do mosquitoes appear in winter?
- House mosquitoes breed in sewage and septic water even in cold weather.
- They come indoors looking for warmth.
- That is why you sometimes see more of them in winter in some areas. See Types of Mosquitoes.
How to reduce mosquitoes at home
- Empty any standing water at least once a week, and turn buckets upside down.
- Clean plant saucers or fill them with sand.
- Close tanks tightly, and cover drains at night.
- Add mosquito larvae tablets to water you cannot empty, such as fountains and ornamental ponds.
- Spray a residual insecticide on indoor walls in dark areas, where mosquitoes rest.
- Fit screens on windows and doors.
Products from Orkida
- K-Othrine Polyzone by Envu (formerly Bayer)
- Demon Max by Syngenta
- VectoBac DT tablets for mosquito larvae
- Aquabac 200 G by Becker for mosquito larvae
- ProCatch ELITE sticky light trap
Mosquitoes at home FAQs
Do mosquitoes come from the air conditioner?
The AC itself does not produce mosquitoes, but drip water that pools becomes a breeding site.
Why do mosquitoes only come out at night?
Most species are active at dusk and night, while some, such as the tiger mosquito, bite during the day.
How long do mosquitoes live indoors?
An adult mosquito usually lives two weeks to a month, laying hundreds of eggs in that time.