Rating the Best Mosquito Control Methods for Your Backyard

Everyone’s got a “hack” for dealing with mosquitoes in your backyard. 

Your neighbour swears by lavender plants; your friends use bug zappers, and someone on Reddit said dryer sheets in your pocket will do the trick.

But you want real results. 

Photo credits to pexels.com

That’s why we’ve rated the most common mosquito control methods based on what actually works (and what’s mostly hype). 

Let’s find out what’s worth your time… and what belongs in the “nice try” pile.

1. Mosquito Traps – Rating: ★★★☆☆

Mosquito traps sound like a dream. Set them up and let them quietly clear your yard of bloodsuckers. And yes, they can work, but not always. Most traps release carbon dioxide (like your breath) to lure mosquitoes, then trap or zap them.

Pros:

• They can reduce mosquito populations over time
• They’re quiet and passive once set up
• Also good for larger yards if they’re positioned well

Cons:

• They don’t repel mosquitoes 
• They require regular maintenance (cleaning, bait refills, power source)
• Placement is tricky. If you put them too close to your seating area, they’ll attract more bugs to you

Bottom line: Useful this along with other methods. They’re best as part of a layered strategy, not your only line of defence.

2. Mosquito-Repelling Plants – Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Photo credits to unsplash.com

Some mosquito-repelling plants include citronella, basil, lavender, marigolds, catnip, and lemongrass. Do they work? Kinda. Some of the more stronger smelling flowers tend to mask the scents that attract mosquitoes, making it harder for them to locate you. 

Pros:

• They look and smell great
• Some (like catnip and marigold) have mild repellent properties
• Useful in planters around seating areas or patios

Cons:

• The repellent oils aren’t released unless leaves are crushed or disturbed
• A few pots won’t deter an entire swarm
• Mosquitoes will still fly right by them if there’s standing water nearby
• Effectiveness is highly localised (we’re talking a few inches) 

Bottom line: These plants are nice for ambience, but do little to ward off a swarm of mosquito.

3. Citronella Candles – Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Again, just like the plants, these candles, infused with citronella oil, mask the scents.

Pros:

• Pleasant smell (for most people)
• Inexpensive and easy to set up
• Adds a cosy outdoor ambiance

Cons:

• Only mildly effective since they don’t repel. In reality, they just confuse
• Needs to be used in still air (they’re useless in wind)
• Protects a very small area, and only while burning
• Can give a false sense of security when it’s not really dealing with the problem 

Bottom line: Fine for short hangouts with limited bugs. But once the mosquitoes show up in numbers, candles won’t be enough. 

4. Bug Zappers – Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

Photo credits to wikimedia.org

Zappers are electric grids that attract bugs with UV light and kill on contact. There’s something satisfying about the zap! of a bug meeting its electric demise… but when it comes to mosquitoes? Not so much.

Pros:

• Visibly eliminates flying insects (so you feel like it’s working)
• Some models now include CO₂ to better attract mosquitoes

Cons:

• Standard zappers mostly kill harmless or helpful insects
• Mosquitoes aren’t actually that attracted to UV light
• Can harm pollinators like moths and beetles
• Creates a mess of insect debris under the unit 
• The constant zapping sound can be annoying, especially during quiet evenings

Bottom line: Old-school zappers are outdated and largely ineffective for mosquitoes. Worse, they disrupt beneficial insect populations. We wouldn’t recommend them for eco-friendly or effective mosquito control.

5. Mosquito Nets – Rating: ★★★☆☆

These are fine mesh nets that physically block mosquitoes from reaching people or food. Mosquito nets are a go-to in high-risk regions, and yes, they do work. 

Pros:

• No chemicals involved
• Extremely effective in small, enclosed spaces (e.g. tents, beds, enclosed patios)
• Great for evening relaxation without bites

Cons:

• Not practical for open spaces or large gatherings
• Can be a hassle to set up and store
• Doesn’t reduce mosquito populations (just blocks them from you)

Bottom line: Mosquito nets are a good barrier method, but they’re more useful for protection than prevention. Great for outdoor naps, not mosquito control.

6. Mosquito Control Devices – Rating: ★★★★☆

These devices release carbon dioxide, heat, or special lures to attract and trap (or kill) mosquitoes. Tech has come a long way. These CO₂ traps and thermal attractants can now target mosquitoes with impressive precision.

Pros:

• Targets the specific attractants that mosquitoes follow
• Can reduce populations over time
• Often cover a larger area than candles or nets
• Newer models are low-maintenance and can run continuously for weeks

Cons:

• Can be expensive (some $200+)
• Takes time to see results 
• Needs regular maintenance (cartridges, cleaning, positioning)

Bottom line: A strong contender for ongoing control if you’re willing to invest. These devices are great when paired with other methods (like yard sprays or drainage control) for a multi-layered defence.

7. Yard Sprays – Rating: ★★★★★

Let’s be honest; nothing beats the effectiveness of a properly applied spray. It’s the closest thing to a mosquito nuke button.

Pros:

• Fast, effective results (within hours)
• Targets resting and breeding areas directly
• Can last for weeks depending on weather
• Modern sprays are bee-safe when applied correctly
• Works preventatively, and not just after a mosquito explosion

Cons:

• DIY sprays can miss spots or use improper products
• Should be applied by professionals for best results

Bottom line: Yard sprays remain the gold standard in mosquito control. When done right (especially by pros), they offer fast relief without harming pollinators or overloading your yard with chemicals. 

And the Winner for Best Backyard Mosquito Control Is…

After rating traps, candles, zappers, and everything in between, backyard sprays still reign supreme. Why? Because when done right, they’re fast, effective, long-lasting, and safe for bees and beneficial bugs.

That’s why we recommend BuzzShield® year-round pest control and Buzz Boss Insect for seasonal mosquito control.

Whether you’re swatting in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, Saskatoon, or Winnipeg, we’re here to help you get rid once and for all. 

Ready to skip the gadgets and go straight to what works? Book your package with our experts today.