How to Kill Mosquito Larvae Naturally!

The rains have been in full force this summer. While they've lightened some in the past few weeks, the standing water is still around.

Of course, one of the consequences of standing water, especially in Florida, is that it leads to an increased mosquito population. Pregnant mosquitoes feast on our blood, then lay their eggs on or very near water. The eggs hatch in water – any standing water – and infest it with larvae. The larvae live in the water as they grow into the mosquitoes we know and… well, don’t love.

Bite the Bullet

The larvae stage is an ideal time to get rid of mosquitoes before they even think about biting you. Of course, an even better option is to make sure there’s no standing water available for the eggs to hatch in the first place. But once we’ve gotten to that point, here are three great ways to eliminate mosquito larvae from the area around your home.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Yes, we know you’ve probably heard this cure all ills from arthritis to weight loss to acne. But, honestly, this one works. And it’s non-toxic to anything other than mosquito larvae.

Add enough of the vinegar to bring the concentration up to 15% vinegar, 85% water. More is better, as lower concentrations won’t deliver. In about 18-hours, your standing water will be mosquito larvae-free.

The odor of the vinegar also makes it a great, safe and easy way to repel mosquitoes by spraying it over, or applying it directly to your skin.

Soap

Dealer’s choice – you can either grab some dish soap or shampoo and add just a tiny bit to standing water to kill off mosquito larvae in about a day. Really, any liquid soap will work. And you only need a millimeter per gallon to do the trick.

Oil

If you’re looking for a faster solution, grab your vegetable or extra virgin olive oil. A thin coating of oil on the surface of water kills mosquito larvae almost instantly. You only need 1-tsp of oil per gallon of water. We’re not sure if you’d notice the smell, but cinnamon oil also does the trick.

A word of caution though – don’t try this if you have a pond or lake with fish, as oil has an adverse effect on them. But if you’ve got a Koi or goldfish pond, they’re probably keeping the larvae at bay themselves… as part of their dinner!

A Second Bite of the Apple

Unfortunately, with all the rain we’ve been seeing, it can be almost impossible to identify and eliminate all the sources of mosquito larvae. The good news is, there’s a safe, natural solution for adult mosquitoes, and this one doesn’t kill them.

Good News Pest Solutions' exclusive Mosquito Protection Program actually turns the pregnant female mosquitoes into vegans! And the eggs they lay will also be vegan. No impossible burger can match that!

Our customers from Apollo Beach to Port Charlotte have enjoyed mosquito-free BBQ’s and pool parties all summer. If you’d like to learn more about our No Bites Zones or any of our other, risk-reduced, organic pest solutions, just give us a call!