4 Ways To Kill Mosquitoes - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Kill Mosquitoes PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Chikezie Onyianta

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked

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  • Creating a Homemade Mosquito Trap
    • |
  • Trying Other Mass Control Methods
    • |
  • Killing Mosquito Larvae
    • |
  • Killing a Single Mosquito
    • |
  • How Do You Kill Mosquitos in Your Yard?
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Chikezie Onyianta. Chikezie Onyianta is a Pest Control Specialist and the Owner of EcoFusion Pest Control, serving communities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. With over 5 years of experience, he specializes in pest control in both residential and commercial spaces. A graduate of Essex County College, Chikezie and EcoFusion assist in rodent, roach, and ant pest control as well as bed bug services. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,019,784 times.

Though mosquitoes have been known to carry disease, most mosquitoes do nothing more than bite you, suck your blood, and leave red, itchy bite marks on your skin. This is bad enough, especially for the unlucky people that mosquitoes find especially delicious. Tracking a single mosquito down isn't too difficult, but if you want to keep your home and yard relatively clear in the future, you'll need to resort to stronger measures.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Creating a Homemade Mosquito Trap

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  1. Step 1 Find a large box fan. 1 Find a large box fan. You can purchase a high-volume fan which sucks air in rather than out when compared to traditional fans from a home improvement store or a department store. Choose one with a metal frame, since you'll be using magnets in this trap. With this and a few other supplies, you can create a trap that will reduce the number of mosquitoes around at least in the short term. Its effect on long-term populations is unknown, but following the advice in the breeding prevention section as well is recommended.[1]
    • If you are trapping mosquitoes in your yard, you may need a long extension cord as well, so you can plug the fan into an indoor outlet.
  2. Step 2 Use zip ties or magnets to attach a mesh screen over one side. 2 Use zip ties or magnets to attach a mesh screen over one side. Cover the front of the fan completely with a length of fine, insect-proof, metal mesh. Use several strong zip ties/magnets to attach the screen to the fan frame.[2] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Let the fan run. 3 Let the fan run. Whenever an area is overrun with mosquitoes, turn on the fan and let it run for at least a few hours. There will usually be a noticeable reduction in the number of mosquitoes for a day or two, although whether this translates to a long-term reduction is unclear.[3]
  4. Step 4 Kill the mosquitoes with diluted isopropyl alcohol. 4 Kill the mosquitoes with diluted isopropyl alcohol. Mix an equal amount of 70% isopropyl alcohol and water into a spray bottle. Spray the solution (alcohol and water) on the screen to kill them, avoiding the central fan motor. You can now leave the screen of dead mosquitoes outside to feed other animals, or shake them into an exterior trash can. The screen is reusable.[4]
    • Consider picking moths or other non-mosquito insects off the screen before spraying.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Trying Other Mass Control Methods

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  1. Step 1 Spray insecticide for a temporary solution. 1 Spray insecticide for a temporary solution. DEET is the most effective pesticide for repelling mosquitoes, but it will only last a few hours at most, and can kill beneficial insects in your yard as well.[5] Other insecticides may cause less collateral damage, but tend to be less effective, shorter lasting, and/or designed to work on clothing rather than large areas.
    • Check the label to see if the pesticide is approved for the intended use by the Environmental Protection Agency or another regulatory organization.[6]
  2. Step 2 Consider a mosquito-repelling plant. 2 Consider a mosquito-repelling plant. The one plant proven to repel mosquitoes is the lantana plant,[7] but be aware that this can be poisonous to pets, can cause allergic reactions, and is an invasive species in some areas. Other plants may have a minor effect, but try these only if you enjoy them in your garden or are willing to plant a large quantity:
    • Citronella, lemon grass, any citrus fruit, basil, rosemary, mint, or catnip may all have a minor effect.
  3. Step 3 Be skeptical of bug zappers and ultrasound machines. 3 Be skeptical of bug zappers and ultrasound machines. Bug zapper traps can seem effective because of loud sounds, bright lights, or sparks. However, most of the insects killed are not mosquitoes, and they can even kill insects that would normally eat or compete with mosquitoes.[8] Ultrasound devices are simply not effective.[9]
    • Some mosquito-killing traps work using a fan system, very similar to the homemade trap described above. These can be effective, at least temporarily.
  4. Step 4 Use temporary measures. 4 Use temporary measures. Mosquitoes tend to avoid smoke, and will be blasted away by a strong fan. Dinner on the patio might not be as pleasant if you are sitting in a smoke cloud or wind tunnel, but if you only care about keeping them away for the next few minutes, this is one option.
    • Citronella candles are mostly effective due to the smoke, not the scent. Any candle will work almost as well.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Killing Mosquito Larvae

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  1. Step 1 Empty or treat standing water. 1 Empty or treat standing water. Still water is breeding grounds for mosquito larvae. Regularly empty all rain barrels, kiddie pools, pet water dishes, and other water containers.[10] For puddles and other sources of water you can't pour out, add an insecticide targeted at killing mosquito larvae.[11]
    • Always read the warning label on insecticides to find out if pets or young children could be harmed by drinking the treated water. Products that use bacterial agents to kill the larvae, rather than chemicals, are typically safer for other animal life.[12]
  2. Step 2 Clean out gutters 2 Clean out gutters and trash piles. These are sources of standing water, and therefore mosquito breeding grounds, that you may not have thought of. Eliminate clutter from your yard often, especially during rainy weather.[13]
  3. Step 3 Keep lawns and shrubs trimmed and free of pools. 3 Keep lawns and shrubs trimmed and free of pools. Keeping your lawn well-mowed and your shrubs trimmed back reduces the chance that pools of dew or rainwater will be trapped.[14] Water your garden only as much as needed, making the soil moist but not soaked or covered in puddles.[15]
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Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Killing a Single Mosquito

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  1. Step 1 Turn on a lamp or flashlight. 1 Turn on a lamp or flashlight. Mosquitoes are attracted to lights, but if one is already buzzing around the room, there's no point turning them off. Keep a bright spot in your room to lure the mosquito to its doom.
    • Mosquitoes are not attracted to sodium lights, LED lights, and yellow "bug lights." Use these as night lighting to reduce the number of mosquitoes that show up, but not to attract a single mosquito victim.
  2. Step 2 Try using a vacuum cleaner. 2 Try using a vacuum cleaner. Ready the hose attachment on a larger vacuum. Once you've spotted a mosquito, turn on the vacuum and hunt it down. Once sucked in, the bug should die in the vacuum cleaner bag, but you can always empty the bag outside if you'd like to be sure. If this sounds like too much effort for one mosquito, you can keep reading to remind yourself of more traditional methods.
  3. Step 3 Wait for the mosquito to land on a wall. 3 Wait for the mosquito to land on a wall. If you continue to follow it with your eyes, or even to walk toward it to scare it into moving away from you and against a wall, then this should only take a minute or two.
    • If the mosquito won't land, try to kill it by clapping both hands together around it as it flies. This may take several tries.
  4. Step 4 Swat the mosquito with any long object. 4 Swat the mosquito with any long object. A rolled magazine, newspaper, or other old paper are all good options for increasing the force and reach of your swat. A shirt, book or other object will also work, as long as you're prepared to wash or wipe the squashed bug off afterward. Once you've successfully killed the mosquito, cackle maniacally and move on with your day.
    • You can purchase a fly swatter for this purpose, or even an electrified one that only needs to lightly touch the insect to kill it.
  5. Step 5 Trap it with a glass. 5 Trap it with a glass. If the mosquito keeps flying away before your whack lands, it's probably reacting to the rush of air that precedes your strike. Try rapidly moving a clear glass onto the surface the mosquito has landed on instead, trapping it inside. Slide a piece of paper or cardboard between the glass and the surface so you can move the trapped mosquito. Toss it outside, carefully remove the paper and squish it, or just leave the trapped mosquito to suffocate.
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How Do You Kill Mosquitos in Your Yard?

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Tips

  • Protect yourself from bites by wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing. Thanks Helpful 57 Not Helpful 23
  • Be very careful when spraying deet material as it can cause a severe reaction. Thanks Helpful 28 Not Helpful 13
  • Don't wear short sleeves inside of your house if it is warm. It's best to open windows (make sure they have well-protecting screens)and wear long sleeves and pants. Avoid wearing black, red, or green. Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 23
Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • Get a drum and cut an 8 in (20 cm) hole in the top. Paint the top and inside of the drum black, and then pour about 0.5 in (1 cm) of water into the bottom. Leave the drum out until morning, and then give it a short squirt of fly spray before covering the top for about 3 minutes. Just be sure to replace the water in the drum weekly.
  • Try hanging up some fly traps (the ones made with sticky paper) from the ceiling. Although they're meant for flies, they should also work on mosquitoes.
  • Spritz the mosquitoes with a mixture of soapy water, which will drop them right away.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • The claim that you can make a mosquito on your arm explode by flexing your muscle or pinching the vein is a myth. You will only end up with a worse bite for letting the mosquito drink its fill. Thanks Helpful 36 Not Helpful 14
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.mosquito.org/faqs/
  2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/diy-mosquito-trap/
  3. ↑ https://www.mosquito.org/faqs/
  4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/diy-mosquito-trap/
  5. ↑ https://nola.gov/next/mosquito/topic/mosquito/tips-for-home-mosquito-control/
  6. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you
  7. ↑ https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0025927
  8. ↑ https://nola.gov/next/mosquito/topic/mosquito/tips-for-home-mosquito-control/
  9. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/health/insect-repellent/insect-repellents-to-skip-a8915750690/
More References (6)
  1. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/index.html
  2. ↑ Chikezie Onyianta. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://nola.gov/next/mosquito/topic/mosquito/tips-for-home-mosquito-control/
  4. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/mosquito-control-at-home.html
  5. ↑ https://www.lsuagcenter.com/NR/rdonlyres/162EA894-DBB7-475F-8D35-D86FB2CEE425/92159/AreMosquitoesbuggingyou1.pdf
  6. ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1397

About This Article

Chikezie Onyianta Co-authored by: Chikezie Onyianta Pest Control Specialist This article was co-authored by Chikezie Onyianta. Chikezie Onyianta is a Pest Control Specialist and the Owner of EcoFusion Pest Control, serving communities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. With over 5 years of experience, he specializes in pest control in both residential and commercial spaces. A graduate of Essex County College, Chikezie and EcoFusion assist in rodent, roach, and ant pest control as well as bed bug services. This article has been viewed 1,019,784 times. 7 votes - 71% Co-authors: 65 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 1,019,784 Categories: Mosquito Control Article SummaryX

To kill mosquitoes, try luring them to a wall or corner of the room using a flashlight so you can swat them with a book, rolled-up newspaper, or fly swatter. You can also light a citronella candle outside since mosquitos are repelled by the smell. Alternatively, to make a mosquito trap, attach a mesh screen to a box fan using zip ties. Then, plug the fan in outdoors, and spray any mosquitoes that get caught in the screen with equal parts water and rubbing alcohol to kill them. In addition to killing mosquitoes, try to get rid of any sources of standing water around your home so new mosquitoes don't breed there. Additionally, try to keep your yard free of clutter since rainwater can collect there and attract more mosquitoes. For more advice, including how to create a homemade mosquito trap, keep reading. Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    May 14, 2018

    "It made me realize how much stagnant water was around my yard, such as buckets, potted plants, that one dip in the..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Chikezie Onyianta Co-authored by: Chikezie Onyianta Pest Control Specialist 7 votes - 71% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 65 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 1,019,784 Anonymous

Anonymous

May 14, 2018

"It made me realize how much stagnant water was around my yard, such as buckets, potted plants, that one dip in the..." more Umanah

Umanah

Jun 6, 2016

"This article has really helped me and my family. My wife was so happy to have a home free of mosquitoes." Anonymous

Anonymous

Sep 9, 2017

"I always use the clapping method. It's very helpful since mosquitoes live around my area." L. L.

L. L.

Aug 9, 2017

"Now I can be saved from dengue. I have told my family about the mosquito trap." Anonymous

Anonymous

Oct 24, 2023

"Good article. I sucked the mosquitoes with a vacuum cleaner." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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