Do Fountains Attract Mosquitoes?

Yes, fountains do attract mosquitoes when the water is stagnant. But with a few simple steps, you can keep your fountain mosquito-free and enjoy your beautiful water feature without the buzz of unwanted pests. Let’s dive into how!

Why Mosquitoes Love Water

Mosquitoes are drawn to water because it’s the perfect place for them to lay their eggs. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in shallow, stagnant water, especially if it's full of leaves and organic debris, which provide the perfect food and shelter for their larvae. Meanwhile, male mosquitoes are drawn to warm, wet areas where they can find mates. 

The Importance of a Clean Fountain

Keeping your fountain clean and well-maintained is essential to mosquitoes from turning your relaxing fountain into their breeding ground. Mosquito larvae thrive in standing and debris-filled water. These larvae rely on air to breathe, which they obtain through tubes at the end of their worm-like abdomens. Shallow, still water makes it easy for them to reach the surface and grow. The UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources notes that mosquito larvae prefer water that's less than two feet deep - conditions that are perfect for them, but not for you.

If the water in your fountain remains stagnant, larvae can quickly develop into full-grown mosquitoes, which can disrupt the enjoyment of your outdoor space. Additionally, mosquito larvae need a steady source of food, which they find in organic matter like leaves, dirt, and algae - anything that accumulates in the water. Nearby plants and trees can exacerbate this issue by dropping debris into the fountain, further feeding the larvae.

Quick Tips to Keep Your Fountain Mosquito-Free

Regular maintenance is essential because mosquitoes complete their life cycle in five to seven days. Each week you should take the time to:

• Check for Signs of Mosquitoes: Regularly look for larvae or adult mosquitoes in and around your fountain.
• Clean Debris Immediately: If you spot any signs of mosquitoes, clean the fountain right away to remove larvae and disrupt their breeding cycle.
• Use a Skimmer Net: Skim the water’s surface to catch floating debris before it becomes a problem.
• Trim Nearby Vegetation: Regularly trim plants, trees, and shrubs near the fountain to reduce the amount of debris falling into the water.

Choose the Right Fountain to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay 

The secret lies in choosing features and materials that discourage mosquitoes from settling in.

When it comes to materials, smooth and non-porous surfaces are less inviting for mosquitoes to lay their eggs on. Here's a quick guide:

• Metal: Stainless steel and aluminum have smooth surfaces that make it difficult for eggs to stick. However, be cautious with bronze, which develops a patina over time, adding texture that can trap eggs.
• Concrete and Stone: These porous materials have rough surfaces, making them suitable spots for mosquito eggs to adhere. The small crevices provide shelter as well.
• Ceramic: Glazed ceramic is a great option because its smooth, slick surface doesn't give eggs much to cling to.
• Plastic and Fiberglass: These materials are also smooth and non-porous, making it challenging for mosquitoes to set up breeding grounds.

Keep Your Fountain Flowing

The most effective way to keep mosquitoes out of your fountain is by ensuring continuous water movement. Features like jets, sprays, or waterfalls create a constant disturbance that mosquitoes cannot tolerate. Even a small waterfall can make a significant difference.

If your fountain has a still basin, you'll need to increase your monitoring, cleaning, and maintenance efforts to ensure it doesn't attract mosquitoes.

If you notice more mosquitoes around your fountain, consider these quick fixes:

• Increase Water Movement: Adjust the flow or add jets and spouts to keep the water moving. This simple change can make a significant difference.
• Stay on Top of Maintenance: Regularly check and clean your fountain to keep mosquitoes from settling in.

Natural Helpers: Fish and Plants

In natural settings, predators like fish, insects, and certain plants keep mosquito populations in check. If your fountain design allows, consider adding mosquito-eating fish like guppies. These fish can eat up to 100 larvae a day, keeping your fountain mosquito-free while adding life and color to your water feature.

Fish like Koi or Goldfish are not only beautiful but also functional, as they swim around consuming any larvae that appear in your fountain. They are non-toxic and safe for everyone who interacts with your water feature.

In addition to fish, you can attract mosquito-eating insects like dragonflies by planting specific shrubs around your fountain. Bob Vila suggests Swamp Milkweed, Arrowhead, and Black-Eyed Susans as great options. Be mindful of the insecticides you use, as broad-spectrum ones can harm beneficial insects.

Certain mosquito-repelling plants can also be highly effective:

• Lavender: With its soothing scent and a compound called linalool, lavender overwhelms mosquitoes' sense of smell. A 2019 study showed an 80% repellent rate against mosquitoes using lavender essential oils.
• Marigold: These easy-to-grow flowers repel mosquitoes, aphids, thrips, and whiteflies. Plus, they add a vibrant pop of color to your garden.
• Catmint: This mint-family perennial is easy to care for and, according to an Iowa State University study, is ten times more effective than DEET.
• Basil, Rosemary, and Peppermint: These common herbs not only flavor your meals but also keep mosquitoes from disturbing your outdoor activities.

Chemical Treatments: When Natural Methods Aren't Enough

Sometimes, natural methods need to be supplemented with additional treatments to effectively eliminate mosquitoes. Before applying any chemicals, consider the specific materials of your fountain to avoid damage. For example, chemical treatments can harm the finish on concrete fountains, so it's best to avoid them. Always test new products on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they won't cause any damage.

Here are some safe options for controlling mosquitoes in your fountain:

• Mosquito Dunks: Containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, mosquito dunks act as a poison to mosquito larvae. These tiny, beige donuts slowly dissolve as they float across the water, releasing a toxic bacterium that prevents larvae from developing into adults. One dunk can cover over 100 square feet of water, making it ideal for larger water features. You can use them in any standing water, including bird baths.
• Mosquito Bits: These provide rapid action to eliminate larvae within 24 hours. They are most effective when used as an initial treatment, followed by mosquito dunks every month or two.
• Methoprene: This insect growth regulator interferes with larvae molting, stopping them from reaching maturity. While effective, it's important to be cautious with broad - spectrum larvicides like methoprene, as they can impact more than just mosquitoes and may disrupt the natural ecosystem in your fountain.
• Vinegar: A natural and safe option, vinegar can alter the pH balance of the water, making it unsuitable for larvae. Vinegar also helps prevent algae growth and keeps other pests like fungus gnats and fly larvae away. 

These options are effective at targeting mosquitoes while being safe for fish and other animals that may drink from your fountain.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy a Mosquito-Free Fountain

A fountain is a beautiful and relaxing addition to your outdoor space, especially when it's free of mosquitoes. By choosing the right design, keeping the water moving, enlisting the help of natural allies like fish and plants, and using chemical treatments when necessary, you can enjoy your water feature without the nuisance of these pesky pests.

If you have any questions about keeping your fountain clean and mosquito-free, please reach out to us at 1-800-975-4022 ext. 3 or support@theblissfulplace.com. We're excited to help you create the perfect, pest-free oasis!