A calm guide to understanding why some homes attract more mosquitoes than others.
Even with well-installed screens, some homes experience more mosquito activity than others. This isn't random. Insects respond to light, moisture, air movement, and nearby vegetation. Understanding local conditions helps you know which adjustments actually matter — and which issues come from the environment around the home.
Mosquitoes become active during warm, humid evenings. Homes located near water, shaded areas, or vegetation experience higher activity because moisture lingers longer after sunset.
Bushes, hedges, and dense plants create still-air pockets — ideal resting places for mosquitoes. If vegetation touches or sits very close to the exterior wall, insects gather under the shade.
This increases the number that approach screens, especially after dusk.
Mosquitoes breed in shallow, unmoving water. You may not notice the sources because many are small or hidden:
Even a small amount of water increases activity around nearby windows.
Mosquitoes are drawn to light. Bright outdoor bulbs placed close to windows or doors naturally attract insects to the very surfaces meant to keep them out.
Even without outdoor lighting, bright indoor lights near a screen can draw insects. This is especially noticeable with large windows or glass doors.
Mosquitoes follow airflow — they are pulled toward drafts coming from inside the home. Any air escaping through small gaps can create an easy entry point, even if the gap looks too small.
Geography influences mosquito presence far more than most people expect. Homes near any of the following typically see increased activity:
In these environments, screens do the heavy lifting — but localized adjustments help reduce overall pressure.
Mosquito levels vary through the year:
If screens seem less effective during certain weeks, it may not be a problem with the installation — but a seasonal or environmental surge.
The goal is not to eliminate every mosquito outside, but to reduce the number approaching your screens. Small environmental adjustments often make the biggest difference.