Why Ditch the Density?

Mosquitoes love to lay their eggs in homes that have stagnant water and lush foliage nearby. Yards with dense vegetation provide mosquitoes shade and shelter from wind underneath thick leaves, headges, bushes, and ivy.

How to do it:

You can keep mosquitoes out of your yard by switching to California Native Plants. 

Not only are California Native Plants gorgeous, but they thrive in our climate and are overall better for the environment. By planting Native Plants, you are creating a beautiful and biodiverse yard that mosquitoes and other pests are NOT attracted to. 

Why Cut what Covers?

The easiest way to reduce mosquito habitats in your yard is by scaling back the amount of dense vegetation. This means trimming things that provide shade and cool resting places for mosquitoes. 

How to do it:

Cut what covers by trimming bushes, trees, and other heavy foliage to thin out the plant. This creates airflow against mosquitoes' weak flying capabilities. Also, leave the stems of plants exposed and trim upwards. This ensures that you'll catch any stagnant water that may be near dense vegetation. 

Some plants, like bromeliads, have leaves that form layered cups that can retain water in their leaves. These plants are mosquito magnets because mosquitoes can lay their eggs directly on the levaes themselves since the plant will eventually collect water. 

Plants that are rooted in water can always expect mosquitoes, since the water remains stagnant. Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water and if you're not changing out the roted plant water every 7 days, you'll be harboring mosquitoes in no time.