Mosquito Myths vs. Facts: What You Really Need to Know

You Have Likely Heard Many "DIY Mosquito Tips". Here's the Facts.

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying—they’re potentially dangerous. But if you’re relying on outdated advice or backyard myths to keep them away, you might be doing more harm than good. Many common mosquito “remedies” offer a false sense of security, leaving your home and yard vulnerable to infestations.

At Pest & Termite Consultants, we help homeowners in Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding North Carolina communities take a smarter approach to mosquito prevention. Below, we tackle some of the most persistent myths and give you the facts that actually make a difference.

Myth #1: Mosquitoes Only Come Out at Night

Fact: While it’s true that some mosquito species are most active at dawn and dusk, many others—particularly in the Southeast—are aggressive daytime feeders. One of the most common and concerning species in North Carolina, the Aedes aegypti, bites primarily during daylight hours, often in shaded or wooded areas near homes.

Why This Matters:

If you’re only taking precautions in the evening (like applying repellent at night or limiting outdoor activity after dark), you’re leaving yourself exposed during peak mosquito activity. Many people are surprised to get bit during the day while gardening, grilling, or even walking the dog.

Better Solution:

Protect yourself from sunrise to sunset by wearing long sleeves and using EPA-approved mosquito repellents, especially in heavily vegetated or shaded areas. For long-term protection, consider investing in seasonal mosquito treatments around your yard to reduce the local population.

Learn more about our mosquito control services in Raleigh, Durham and surrounding areas.

Myth #2: Citronella Candles Keep Mosquitoes Away

Fact: Citronella candles are marketed as a natural mosquito repellent, but their effectiveness is extremely limited. The scent may confuse mosquitoes’ sense of smell temporarily, but only in a small, wind-free radius around the candle.

Why This Matters:

People often assume lighting a few citronella candles is enough to keep their entire patio or backyard mosquito-free. In reality, mosquitoes can simply fly around the scent or wait for the wind to disperse it. These candles do very little to stop mosquitoes from breeding or biting.

Better Solution:

Instead of relying on candles, address the root of the problem: reduce standing water (where mosquitoes breed) and treat your yard with residual mosquito control products. A professional application forms a barrier that actively repels and kills mosquitoes for several weeks at a time.

Myth #3: Mosquitoes Only Breed in Swamps and Ponds

Fact: Mosquitoes aren’t picky about where they lay eggs. Any source of stagnant water will do—including clogged gutters, birdbaths, flowerpot trays, tarps, and pet bowls. It takes just a few tablespoons of water to produce hundreds of larvae.

Why This Matters:

Homeowners in urban and suburban areas may assume they’re safe from mosquito infestations if there are no nearby wetlands. However, most mosquito breeding happens right in backyards. If your property has hidden sources of water, you could unknowingly be supporting an entire mosquito colony.

Better Solution:

Perform a weekly inspection of your yard to look for and eliminate small water sources. Turn over items that collect rain, empty kiddie pools regularly, and flush out birdbaths. For larger concerns or hard-to-find breeding grounds, a professional home inspection can identify problem areas and recommend targeted treatment.

Myth #4: All Mosquitoes Bite Humans

Fact: Not all mosquitoes are blood-feeders, and among those that are, only the females bite. They require blood meals to produce eggs. Males feed on plant nectar and are not a biting threat. Additionally, different species prefer different hosts, including birds, amphibians, and livestock.

Why This Matters:

Assuming that all mosquitoes are targeting you personally can lead to misplaced prevention efforts. Understanding mosquito behavior helps you focus on prevention strategies that are more effective for your specific situation and environment.

Better Solution:

Know your enemy. Have a professional assess the type of mosquitoes you're dealing with and adjust control methods accordingly. If human-biting species are present, professional outdoor pest control can help reduce their numbers and keep your space safe.

Myth #5: Bug Zappers Are Effective Against Mosquitoes

Fact: While bug zappers may look like they’re doing the job, studies show that less than 1% of insects killed by zappers are actually mosquitoes. These devices attract insects using UV light, but mosquitoes are not strongly drawn to light. In fact, zappers often kill more beneficial insects like moths and beetles than harmful ones.

Why This Matters:

Relying on bug zappers not only fails to solve your mosquito problem—it may harm pollinators and disrupt your local ecosystem. Worse, it gives a false sense of security.

Better Solution:

Use traps or professional solutions that target mosquitoes specifically, not just anything that flies. And always pair any device with environmental controls like removing breeding sites and treating shaded areas where mosquitoes rest.

Myth #6: Mosquitoes Are Just a Nuisance

Fact: Mosquitoes are far more than just an itchy annoyance. They are responsible for spreading some of the most serious diseases worldwide. In North Carolina, common threats include:

• West Nile Virus
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
• La Crosse Encephalitis

While not every mosquito is infected, it only takes one bite from the wrong mosquito to spread disease.

Why This Matters:

Ignoring mosquitoes because they "just bite" is risky. The illnesses they carry can cause severe neurological symptoms, hospitalization, or worse—especially for young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

Better Solution:

Protect your health by taking mosquitoes seriously. Keep windows screened, avoid peak activity times, and schedule routine treatments. Our team at Pest & Termite Consultants offers seasonal mosquito programs tailored for Raleigh and Durham residents.

Get the Facts. Get Protected.

Believing the wrong information about mosquitoes won’t keep them away—but taking smart, informed steps will. By understanding their behavior, breeding patterns, and limitations of DIY solutions, you can better defend your home and family.

Whether you're seeing mosquitoes in your yard, finding them indoors, or simply want to enjoy your summer without swatting, Pest & Termite Consultants can help.

Mosquito Problems in Raleigh or Durham? Let’s Fix That.

We provide targeted mosquito control services in Raleigh, Durham, Fuquay-Varina, and the surrounding areas of North Carolina. Our treatments address both adult mosquitoes and their breeding grounds, providing lasting relief so you can enjoy your backyard again.

Call (919) 246-8831 or contact us online to schedule your mosquito inspection or learn more about our treatment plans.