How Pool Covers Create Mosquito Problems (and How to Prevent It)
If you’ve got a pool cover that collects water each spring, you might be unknowingly creating the perfect breeding environment for mosquitoes. In Pennsylvania, swimming pools often stay covered until late May, but by then, mosquito season is already well underway. Warm spring temperatures and pooled water on top of your cover are all it takes for mosquitoes to begin multiplying by the thousands.
The sun heats the water trapped on your cover, and any organic debris—like leaves, twigs, or dirt—provides just the right nutrition for mosquito larvae. By the time you’re ready to swim for Memorial Day, the mosquitoes are already out in force.
Asian Tiger Mosquitoes Make It Worse
Some species, like the Asian Tiger mosquito, are even more opportunistic. They can lay eggs in dry areas like pool covers, buckets, or tarps. These eggs wait until rainwater fills the space, then hatch and develop quickly. This means your pool cover might be causing problems even if it doesn’t have standing water all the time.
Steps to Prevent Mosquitoes From Breeding in Pool Covers
1. Remove Pool Covers Early
Ideally, remove your swimming pool cover as soon as the risk of hard frost has passed. The earlier in the season you eliminate the water, the less chance mosquitoes have to establish themselves.
2. Drain Water Weekly if You Can’t Remove the Cover
If your cover must stay on longer, use a pool cover pump or siphon to remove water weekly. This interrupts the mosquito life cycle and helps keep the area clear of larvae.
3. Store Covers Properly
When the time comes to remove the cover, dry it out thoroughly and store it inside. If left outside, even folded covers can collect rainwater and create tiny reservoirs where mosquitoes thrive.
Keep Your Yard Mosquito-Free
A proactive approach in early spring can drastically reduce your mosquito population later in the summer. If you’re struggling to stay ahead of the bites, or just want to be mosquito-free for the season, call the team at Grasshopper Lawns. We offer effective, professional mosquito control solutions to help you enjoy your lawn without the buzz and bites.