If you feel like mosquitoes show up the moment you step outside, you’re not imagining it. Warm, wet South Florida weather gives mosquitoes what they need, and Weston’s rainy season can bring them fast. You want your yard enjoyable for everyday living or showings, not a swatting session. In this guide, you’ll learn simple, proven steps that work in Weston, plus when to call in the county for help. Let’s dive in.
Why mosquitoes matter in Weston
Mosquito-borne illnesses are monitored in Florida, and advisories can change with the season. You can check current updates through the Florida Department of Health’s statewide surveillance page for the latest local guidance and advisories. See Florida DOH surveillance.
Weston directs residents to Broward County Mosquito Control for inspections and treatment requests. The city also promotes homeowner steps like draining water and repairing screens. Review Weston’s mosquito control guidance.
The rule that stops most bites: remove water
All mosquitoes need standing water to breed. In warm weather, eggs can hatch in a day or two, and the egg-to-adult cycle can take about 8 to 10 days. That is why frequent checks around your property make the biggest difference. UF/IFAS calls this source reduction, and it is the foundation of integrated mosquito management. Learn more from UF/IFAS.
Tip and toss after rain
- Empty and flip plant saucers, buckets, toys, and kiddie pools.
- Dump and refresh pet water bowls; shake out tarps.
- Clear debris from gutters and drains.
- Repeat daily or every few days in rainy months. Weston’s “Tip, Toss, Treat” reminders are a good seasonal cue. See the city’s quick tips.
Treat water you cannot drain
If you have standing water you cannot remove or cover, use a larvicide made for homeowners.
Use Bti safely and correctly
Bti products, often sold as “mosquito dunks” or bits, target mosquito larvae in standing water and are EPA registered for this use. When used as directed, they are considered safe for people, pets, and many non-target organisms. Apply them to non-drinking water like rain barrels without screens, certain pond edges, or catch basins where allowed. Always follow the product label. Read EPA’s Bti guidance.
Make your yard less inviting
Mosquitoes rest in cool, shaded vegetation and thrive where water lingers.
Simple landscaping moves
- Improve drainage in low spots and direct downspouts to well-drained areas or rain gardens.
- Keep turf and shrubs trimmed to reduce shaded resting spots.
- Manage bromeliads and other plants that hold water by flushing them weekly.
- For ornamental ponds, add aeration and, where appropriate, mosquito-eating fish. Get UF/IFAS yard guidance.
Protect yourself outdoors
Personal protection is your short-term shield when you are outside.
Repellents that work
Use an EPA-registered repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Treat clothing and gear with permethrin, not skin. Wear long sleeves and light-colored clothing at dawn and dusk. Always follow the label, and choose products suited to your activity and family. See CDC repellent recommendations.
Sprays and foggers: set expectations
Targeted adult mosquito sprays can give temporary relief, usually during outbreaks or when combined with other steps.
- Effectiveness varies, and resistance matters. Research shows pyrethroid resistance is common in Florida Aedes aegypti, which can reduce the impact of some adulticides and backyard misting systems. Review the resistance research.
- If you hire a pro, confirm licensing, ask for the active ingredients, and make sure they follow integrated pest management and all label rules. Read EPA guidance on public health pyrethroids.
When to call Broward County
If you see unusually large numbers of mosquitoes, suspect breeding on public property, or notice dead birds that could indicate West Nile activity, request service. Broward County Mosquito Control prioritizes inspections and treatment based on resident reports. Call 311 or 954-765-4062, or use the county request form. See Broward’s response procedures.
A simple Weston yard checklist
- Daily or after rain: tip and toss containers, empty plant saucers and toys, refresh pet bowls, and shake out tarps. Quick city tips
- Twice weekly in hot months: scrub and refill birdbaths and fountains. UF/IFAS guidance
- Weekly: flush bromeliads and cup-like plants, clear gutters and drains.
- As needed: place Bti dunks in non-drinking standing water you cannot remove. EPA on Bti
- Seasonal: repair window and door screens, improve drainage in low spots, add pond aeration or fish where appropriate, and use patio fans when sitting outside. UF/IFAS yard tips
Getting your yard show-ready for buyers
A comfortable outdoor space helps buyers picture life in your home. Before photos and showings, do a sweep to drain small water pools, run patio fans for open-house hours, and use approved repellents if you will be outside. These small moves make patios and poolsides more inviting for tours and weekend viewings.
Ready to prep your yard for sale or find a Weston home with outdoor spaces you will love? Connect with Teresa Santana for local guidance and a plan that fits your goals.
FAQs
What should a Weston homeowner do first to cut mosquitoes?
- Start with source reduction. Drain standing water, scrub birdbaths, clear gutters, and repeat often during rainy months. UF/IFAS identifies this as the most effective step, since mosquitoes need water to breed. Learn more
How often should I check for standing water in Weston’s rainy season?
- Check daily or every few days after rain. Eggs can hatch in a day or two, and mosquitoes can reach adulthood in about 8 to 10 days in warm weather, so frequent checks break the cycle. UF/IFAS overview
Are “mosquito-repellent plants” enough for South Florida yards?
- No. Some plants have scents that may deter mosquitoes up close, but yard-wide protection is limited. Focus on removing standing water and managing water-holding plants like bromeliads, which can become breeding sites. UF/IFAS tips
Is Bti safe around pets and ornamental ponds?
- When used as labeled, Bti targets mosquito larvae and is considered safe for people, pets, and many non-target organisms. Always follow the product label and avoid drinking water sources. EPA on Bti
Do backyard misting systems solve mosquito problems in Weston?
- They can offer short-term relief, but effectiveness varies and insecticide resistance in Florida Aedes aegypti reduces results for some products. Combine any spraying with source reduction and larval control for better outcomes. See resistance research
