How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Outdoor Potted Plants

Outdoor potted plants are a great way to liven up any space, but they can also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. These pesky insects can not only make spending time outdoors uncomfortable but can also carry diseases like Zika and West Nile Virus. If your outdoor potted plants are infested with mosquitoes, here are some ways to get rid of them:

1. Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so if you have any standing water in your outdoor potted plants, you are providing a perfect breeding ground for them. You can eliminate standing water by watering your plants carefully, so the water does not collect in the pot's base. If your pots have a drainage hole, make sure it is not blocked.

2. Add a Mosquito Bits

If you have standing water in your outdoor potted plants or do not want to worry about watering carefully, you can add a Mosquito Bits to the plant's soil. Mosquito Bits contain natural bacteria that kill mosquito larvae, preventing them from hatching. The bacteria will not harm your plant, and you only need to add a couple of tablespoons of Mosquito Bits to each pot to be effective.

3. Use Mosquito Repellents

You can use mosquito repellents to deter mosquitoes from laying their eggs in your outdoor potted plants. There are many mosquito repellent products available, including sprays and candles, but you can also use natural repellents like citronella oil, lavender oil, or peppermint oil. You can make your own repellent by mixing a few drops of oil into spray bottles and using them to spray your plants. Make sure to reapply the repellent every few days or after a rain shower.

4. Introduce Mosquito-Eating Fish

An effective and natural way to get rid of mosquitoes in your outdoor potted plants is by introducing mosquito-eating fish like Gambusia, also known as the Mosquito Fish. These fish are native to North America and will eat mosquito larvae as well as other types of aquatic insects. You can add a few Mosquito Fish to your outdoor water features or even to your outdoor potted plants that have a water reservoir.

5. Keep Your Plants Maintained

Healthy plants are less attractive to mosquitoes, so it's essential to keep your outdoor potted plants healthy and well-maintained. Make sure to remove any dead or dying leaves from your plants to avoid stagnant areas that may attract mosquitoes. In addition, keep your plants fertilized, watered, and pruned to keep them in optimal condition.

Conclusion

Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance, especially if they've made their home in your outdoor potted plants. Using one or more of these methods to get rid of mosquitoes will make your outdoor space less irritating and more enjoyable. Remember to keep your plants healthy, eliminate standing water, use mosquito repellents, and introduce mosquito-eating fish to keep mosquitoes at bay.