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How to control mosquitos inside and outside your home

Outdoor seating area and a wooden coffee table holding two citronella candles can also help keep mosquitoes at bay.

Overview

Mosquitoes can quickly turn your relaxing time at home into a frustrating experience. But with a few simple steps, you can control mosquitoes both inside and outside your home, making your space more enjoyable. Here's how to keep these pesky insects at bay.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Remove stagnant water inside your home

    To reduce the number of mosquitoes indoors, the first step is to remove any stagnant water where they might breed. This includes checking for small puddles in areas like your sink, under houseplants, and other damp spots.

    For example, if you use a saucer under your potted plants, be sure to empty any standing water regularly.

    A terracotta pot placed on a matching saucer shows soil and stagnant water where mosquitoes might breed.
  2. 2

    Install fly screens or mosquito netting

    Next, inspect your windows and doors. Installing or repairing fly screens can prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. If you don’t have fly screens, consider using a mosquito net over your bed or seating areas for extra protection
    A person is pointing to the label on a roll of traditional fly screen material for windows and doors
  3. 3

    Use indoor insect spray

    For additional control, you can use an indoor insect repellent or an electronic insect killer. Both are effective at reducing mosquitoes inside your home. Always follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure you’re using these products safely and effectively.

    A Bunnings Team Member is displaying a variety of indoor insect repellent products, such as sprays, diffusers, and traps, on a countertop.
  4. 4

    Clean your gutters

    It’s also important to keep your gutters clean and free of debris. Clogged gutters can hold water, creating an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.

    A Bunnings Team Member wearing gloves is cleaning a gutter that can hold water.
  5. 5

    C​​reate a mosquito-free outdoor zone

    To further control mosquitoes in your garden, consider applying an outdoor insect repellent or setting up mosquito traps. Placing natural mosquito-repellent plants like lavender around your outdoor seating areas is another effective way to deter them. If you’re spending time outside in the evening, citronella candles or burners can also help keep mosquitoes at bay.

    For even more protection, consider investing in a mosquito zapper – there are plenty of options available to suit different spaces and needs.

    A Bunnings Team Member is placing a natural mosquito repellent lavender plant on an outdoor coffee table in a garden setting.
  6. 6

    Now that you’ve controlled mosquitos around your home…

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.