When most people think of mosquitoes, they picture hot, humid climates—swampy backyards, tropical vacations, or summer evenings in the Midwest. It's easy to assume that dry desert areas like Arizona would be free of these biting pests. After all, mosquitoes thrive in moisture, right?

Unfortunately, that's not quite how it works.

If you've lived in Arizona for even one summer, you already know that mosquitoes are very much part of life here. In fact, they might be working overtime to make your time outdoors miserable. So why exactly are mosquitoes a problem in the desert, and what can you do to keep them away from your home this summer?

Let’s walk through why mosquitoes are more at home in the desert than you might think—and the smartest ways to fight back.

standing water on pool cover

Why Are There Mosquitoes in the Arizona Desert?

It seems like a contradiction: mosquitoes love water. Deserts are dry. So, how are mosquitoes thriving in places like Phoenix, Tucson, or Mesa?

The answer lies in one simple fact: humans bring water into the desert, and wherever water goes, mosquitoes are quick to follow.

Here in Arizona, mosquitoes are able to thrive because of multiple sources of standing water around residential areas. This includes things you may not even think twice about, like:

  • Irrigation systems
  • Pet water bowls
  • Kiddie pools and bird baths
  • Leaky outdoor faucets or hoses
  • Clogged rain gutters
  • Pool covers that collect water
  • Plant saucers and pots
  • Low spots in the yard where water collects

All it takes is a spot with even a quarter inch of water—that’s less than the depth of a bottle cap—for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. What’s more, mosquito eggs can survive without water for months in dry areas, just waiting for the right conditions (like rain or irrigation) to trigger hatching. This is especially important during monsoon season, when sudden downpours rapidly activate long-dormant mosquito eggs and massively increase the local population.

So yes, even in the desert, mosquitoes not only survive—they thrive, especially from late spring through early fall.

When Are Mosquitoes Most Active in Arizona?

Mosquitoes don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Their activity ramps up based on the time of year and the time of day.

Seasonal Activity

In Arizona, mosquito season typically runs from May through September, with the most intense activity happening during monsoon season (roughly late June through August). The added humidity and standing water after storms create ideal conditions for rapid breeding.

Time of Day

You might not notice many mosquitoes during the day—especially in the scorching desert heat—but that’s because they’re laying low in shady, cool spots. Most mosquitoes are most active during:

  • Dawn (early morning)
  • Dusk (just before sunset)

These are the times when the temperatures are cooler and the air is a bit more humid. If you’re planning a morning walk or grilling dinner on the patio, be prepared!

Where Mosquitoes Hide Around Your Property

One of the reasons mosquitoes are so tricky to deal with is that they’re great at hiding—even in plain sight.

During the heat of the day, adult mosquitoes rest in shaded, humid spots where they can stay cool and wait for evening. Common mosquito hiding and breeding spots around an Arizona home include:

  • Overgrown plants and bushes
  • Under decks or porches
  • Inside sheds or garages with poor ventilation
  • Leaky outdoor plumbing or irrigation valves
  • Tall grasses or unmowed areas
  • Dirt-filled plant trays or flower pots
  • Clogged or debris-filled rain gutters
  • Pooling water on pool covers or tarps
  • Tree holes or rotting stumps

Take a thorough look around your yard—you’d be surprised where water can collect without you noticing.

How to Reduce Mosquito Populations Around Your Yard

Because mosquitoes breed so quickly, the best way to keep them under control is to target the source: their breeding grounds. Here are the most effective steps homeowners in Arizona can take:

Eliminate Standing Water

This is the single most important step. Go through your yard and tip over or drain anything that holds water for more than a day. Some items to check:

  • Kiddie pools
  • Trash can lids
  • Flower pot saucers
  • Old tires or buckets
  • Pet dishes left outside overnight
  • Pool covers that collect rainwater
  • Wheelbarrows or wagons

Clean bird baths and pet dishes every 2–3 days, especially during peak season.

Keep Your Yard Clean and Trimmed

Mosquitoes love shade and protection from the sun, so make sure your landscaping isn’t giving them a free place to hide. That means:

  • Mowing the lawn regularly
  • Trimming bushes and hedges
  • Removing leaf litter and fallen branches
  • Clearing out overgrown weeds or tall grasses

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters filled with leaves and debris not only block water drainage but can also trap standing water, making them ideal mosquito nurseries. Clean gutters at least twice a year and check them again after big storms.

Fix Leaks and Drainage Issues

A slow drip from a hose bib, outdoor faucet, or irrigation line might not seem serious, but mosquitoes don’t need much water at all. Repair leaks, improve drainage in low-lying areas, and avoid overwatering plants.

Use Screens and Barriers

Make sure all windows and doors have tight-fitting screens without holes. If you enjoy opening windows in the evening, this is a must to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

Try Mosquito-Repelling Plants

Some plants may help keep mosquitoes at bay naturally. Consider adding:

  • Citronella
  • Lavender
  • Marigolds
  • Basil
  • Mint

While not foolproof, they can act as part of your integrated mosquito control approach.

Why Professional Mosquito Control Is Worth It

We get it—handling mosquitoes on your own is a never-ending job. And even with the best efforts, it can feel like you’re barely making a dent.

Professional mosquito control, especially in desert regions like Arizona, offers targeted, proven solutions that go beyond DIY efforts. Here’s how:

  • Comprehensive Property Assessment
    Licensed mosquito control specialists will inspect your property to identify both obvious and hidden breeding areas—many of which homeowners might overlook.
  • Targeted Treatments
    Unlike general bug sprays, professional mosquito treatments are specifically designed to interrupt the mosquito life cycle—eliminating eggs, larvae, and adult mosquitoes using products that are safe for pets and kids when applied correctly.
  • Recurring Services for Lasting Results
    At Northwest Exterminating, our mosquito control programs are designed to provide continuous protection throughout the season, from May through September. Monthly treatments help keep populations low and your yard enjoyable all summer.
  • Peace of Mind
    Most importantly, professional treatments help protect your family from more than just itchy bites. Mosquitoes carry diseases like West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis, which are found right here in Arizona.

Take Back Your Backyard This Summer

Yes, mosquitoes exist in the desert—and they’re probably not going anywhere anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean they have to ruin your summer.

By taking simple steps to eliminate breeding grounds and investing in professional mosquito control, you can enjoy your outdoor spaces again—sunset BBQs, pool days, and evening hangs without the buzzing or the bites.

At Northwest Exterminating, we’ve helped Arizona homeowners conquer pests for over 30 years. Our experienced team knows the unique challenges of desert pest control—and how to keep mosquitoes in check, season after season.

Get your mosquito inspection scheduled today, and let’s make this summer a bite-free one.