Does Mulch Attract Mosquitoes?
Recently I was working in a clients garden. I took a step into the freshly mulched flowerbed to prune some coneflowers and a cloud of mosquitoes erupted from the mulch. I visited another client a few weeks later and she warned me that if I go into the back bed beware of all the mosquitoes. After these iinteractions I decided to do some research - does mulch attract mosquitoes?
Yes, mulch attracts mosquitos… so why do we use it?
According to the USDA, we use mulch for a variety of important reasons. “Mulch helps conserve and extend available water, protects the soil from erosion, reduces competition by suppressing weeds, moderates temperature extremes, and acts as a barrier or visible marker of gardening beds to limit damage by landscape maintenance equipment.” Mulch is clearly an necessary tool in the garden.
Why do mosquitoes like mulch?
Mulch is an ideal place for mosquitoes throughout their life cycle. The moist conditions that mulch create provide an ideal breeding ground for mosquito larvae. The decomposing organic matter in mulch contains sugars that provide food and energy for female mosquitoes looking to lay eggs. Mulch then provides darkness, protection, and shelter for adult mosquitoes.
What types of mulch attracts mosquitoes?
Different types of mulch can attract mosquitoes. The most common are organic mulches such as wood chips, bark chips, pine straw, and shredded leaves. As stated above, these types of mulch trap moisture and create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Inorganic mulches such as gravel or rubber-based products also have the potential to create wet pockets due to rain or irrigation.
How do I keep mosquitoes out of my mulch?
Thankfully you have a lot of organic options to minimize the likelihood of creating a mosquito friendly environment. Those options are:
Frequently rake and turn the mulch material over to prevent too much moisture retention and encourage rapid decomposition
Avoid over-application of organic mulch materials to reduce the presence of standing water and other sources of moisture.
Choose mulch options like cypress and cedar chips - each have thujone a natural chemical found in the wood the repels mosquitoes
Trim plants and bushes regularly - remember mosquitoes like to live in thick foliage
Keep gutters clean
Plant certain flowers and herbs to deter mosquitoes such as marigolds, basil, citronella, rosemary, lemon balm, and peppermint (be sure to plant lemon balm and mint in pots since they are runners and will take over if planted in the ground)
Eliminate standing water - fix leaky faucets or gutters and clean out bird baths, kiddie pools, and other containers that may be holding water
Turn empty flower pots upside down
Why should I care about mosquitoes in my mulch?
Being outside has so many benefits for our health, according to the Harvard School of Public Health, such as improvements in sleep, blood pressure, cognitive function, and physical activity. Itchy incessant mosquito bites can ruin the experience and drive many indoors. Don’t let mosquitoes in the garden ruin all the fun and the health benefits of enjoying your beautiful outdoor space. Take action to reduce the mosquitoes in your garden.
If you are feeling overwhelmed in the garden, reach out to us. We would love to help you create a space that is beautiful, thriving, and hopefully less itchy.
