Mosquito Yard Audit Checklist
How to use this checklist
Do a quick walk-around right after a rain, then again on a dry day. Bring a flashlight. You’re looking for anything that holds water for multiple days.
Goal: Dump it, drain it, flip it, cover it, or treat it.
CHECKLIST:
Step 1: Dump, Drain, Flip (Breeding Sites)
Water-holding items
☐ Flowerpot saucers / plant trays
☐ Kiddie toys / play items that collect water
☐ Buckets / pails / watering cans
☐ Tarps, covers, and folds holding water
☐ Tires (swings, stacks, yard debris)
☐ Trash can lids / recycling bins holding water
☐ Wheelbarrow or yard tools left outside
☐ Pet water bowls (change daily)
☐ Birdbaths (dump and refill 2–3x/week)
Structural water sources
☐ Clogged gutters (standing water or buildup)
☐ Downspout extensions draining into low spots
☐ Low spots / puddles lasting more than 48 hours
☐ Pool cover standing water (especially seams and dips)
☐ Outdoor drains or catch basins holding water
Step 2: Treat Water You Can’t Dump (If applicable)
Only treat water sources you can’t remove (and only with products labeled for that use).
☐ Catch basins / drains that hold water
☐ Ornamental water features (if permitted and labeled)
☐ Rain barrels (screened and tightly sealed; treat only if needed and labeled)
Step 3: Identify Adult Resting Areas (Where bites come from)
Mosquitoes hide in shaded, humid spots.
☐ Dense shrubs and landscaping
☐ Under decks and porches
☐ Fence lines and shaded edges
☐ Under tall grass and weeds
☐ Woodpiles and cluttered storage areas
QUICK ACTION PLAN
What to do next (in order)
Fix every breeding site you checked “yes” on.
Re-check 48 hours after rain.
If bites continue, focus on adult resting zones and consider professional treatment.
Upload photos
Want us to confirm what you found?
Upload photos of suspected breeding sites and we’ll tell you what matters most.
FAQ
How fast can mosquitoes breed?
If water sits long enough, mosquitoes can reproduce. Consistency is the key.
Do I need treatment if I remove water?
Sometimes yes. If your yard has dense resting zones (shade, shrubs, under decks) or you’re near untreated sources, adult treatment helps.
How often should I do this audit?
Weekly during mosquito season, and always after heavy rain.