Mosquitoes: 10 steps to protect your home and yard all summer long
The mosquito that keeps you up at night didn't come from far away. It was usually born a few meters from your balcony — in a flower pot saucer, a well, or a forgotten bucket. And that's the good news: it means you can do a lot.
- Peak May – October
- Reproduction Standing water, in 7–10 days
- Attention West Nile Virus
The two "types" that trouble us
In Greece, bites mainly have two signatures. The common mosquito is active at dusk and at night and reproduces in wells, cesspools and stagnant water; it is also the main carrier of the West Nile virus, which circulates in our country every summer. The Asian tiger mosquito, with its characteristic black and white stripes, also bites during the day — usually low on the legs — and is content with minimal water: a bottle cap is enough for it to give birth.
The 10 moves that make a difference
- Empty the saucers from the flower pots. twice a week — it is the number one "maternity home" for mosquitoes on balconies and patios.
- Cover barrels, tanks and buckets with a lid or sieve.
- Clean the gutters: Clogged gutters hold water for weeks.
- Check the screens for tears and gaps in the clasp.
- Put a fan on the porch: Mosquitoes can't fight against the air current.
- Use approved insect repellent when going out — preparations with DEET or icaridin offer the most reliable protection.
- Prefer light-colored, loose-fitting clothes during peak hours.
- You mow lawns and shrubs: They rest during the day in the dense, moist vegetation.
- Take care of the wells sprayer and gardener with larvicidal tablets — there you hit the problem before it even flies.
- For yards and gardens with severe problems, a residual spray of foliage and shady spots by a crew drastically reduces the population for weeks.
What really attracts them (and what doesn't)
Mosquitoes don't choose "sweet blood." They detect the carbon dioxide in our breath, body heat, and sweat compounds — which is why we become more "visible" after a workout or a beer in the evening. On the other hand, ultrasonic devices have no proven effectiveness, while repellent plants (basil, lavender, citronella) are of little help on their own. Useful as a supplement, not a solution.
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions…
Why do they bite me more than others?;
The amount of CO₂ you exhale, your skin temperature, the composition of your sweat, even your skin bacteria — factors that are largely genetic — all play a role. It's no surprise that some people are actually more attractive to mosquitoes.
When should the yard be sprayed?;
Ideally at the start of the season (late spring) and repeated every 3–4 weeks during peak season, or targeted before outdoor events
Is spraying safe for children and pets?;
With approved formulations and following the re-entry time specified by the applicator, yes. Inform the crew about pets, vegetable gardens or standing water points so they can adjust the application.
I'm getting bitten by a mosquito in broad daylight — is this normal?;
Yes, it's the tiger mosquito. It's mostly active in the early morning and afternoon, but it bites all day long, usually on the lower legs.
