How to Kill Mosquito Larvae in Pool – Tips, Tricks, and Products That Work

It’s a common scenario: you go to your pool, and just as you’re about to jump in for a swim, you notice a bunch of strange little black bugs floating around. What gives?

Mosquito larvae, or wigglers, have an insatiable appetite and a short life cycle. That’s why the infestation can come on so suddenly and be so intense. In fact, you might not even realize mosquito larvae have been there until they’re flying out of the water and buzzing around your head.

Although some pools are more susceptible to getting infested with mosquito larvae than others, no pool is immune from these nasty pests.

So how do you get rid of them? Well, chlorine may kill mosquitoes when they’re adults, but it does nothing to stop their larvae—which is why there are plenty of products on the market specifically designed to eliminate mosquito larvae from swimming pools.

In addition to protecting your pool from infestations like these in the future, there are some steps you can take to ensure mosquitoes aren’t able to lay eggs in your pool in the first place—and we’ll delve into all that and more below!

But First, Let’s Talk About Mosquitoes and Mosquito Larvae

Mosquitoes are not only annoying, but they can also pose risks to your health. 

Mosquitoes are a common nuisance to humans, but they are also a potential danger. Outside of being a general annoyance, mosquitoes can carry and transmit several diseases, including West Nile virus and dengue fever, which can be dangerous to both humans and animals.

There are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes worldwide, but only about 200 of them live in North America. These include some of the most dangerous species of mosquito that are able to carry and transmit diseases.

Mosquito larvae (also called wigglers or wrigglers) are the immature stage in the mosquito life cycle. While this is not the most commonly-known part of the mosquito’s life cycle, it is one of the most important stages in mosquito control efforts.

Adult mosquitoes lay their eggs on the surface of stagnant water sources like ponds, puddles, and yes – pools. Once these eggs hatch, they feed on algae and microorganisms found in these standing water sources.

Adult female mosquitoes are able to lay between 100 and 300 eggs at a time. The mosquito eggs are tiny—about the size of a grain of salt.. The eggs are laid on top of the standing water surface or attached to aquatic vegetation near the water source where they hatch into larvae within two to three days. (In some species or in some situations, the mosquito eggs can remain dormant for months before hatching).

Once hatched, mosquito larvae feed on microorganisms in the water they live in. Some are predators that feed on other insects living in their habitat while others are scavengers that feed on dead organic matter. Mosquito larvae molt several times during their development and turn into pupae within a matter of days.

When most people think about mosquitoes and mosquito larvae, they rarely think of these pests in pools. Unfortunately, pools can make an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Let’s learn why.

Why Do I Have Mosquito Larvae In My Pool?

Pools are stagnant sources of water, and they make an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Surprisingly, mosquito larvae are a common nuisance in swimming pools. Eggs can find their way into the pool via outside sources like the wind, or adult mosquitoes can simply lay their eggs directly in the swimming pool itself.

Mosquito larvae can live for a couple of days to two weeks in water before maturing into adults. Luckily, mosquito larvae aren’t harmful to people like their adult counterparts may be—though they are still extremely irritating.

But why do you have mosquito larvae in your pool? And shouldn’t chlorine be enough to kill mosquito larvae in your pool off the top?

Not always.

There are a few reasons that chlorine doesn’t kill mosquito larvae: when you first add chlorine to pool water after shocking your pool or after a heavy rainstorms, the chemical isn’t fully dissolved and is too concentrated to have an effect on the larvae.

Another reason could be that your chlorine levels are too low and you need more product. If there’s a high pH level in your pool water, chlorine will be less effective at killing larvae.

If you’re struggling with mosquito larvae in your pool and you’re looking for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water, you can always try increasing the amount of shock treatment you’re giving your pool and making sure that your pH levels stay between 7.2 and 7.8—the ideal range for using chlorine effectively.

The conditions that tend to cause mosquito problems are similar to those that cause algae growth, so keep this in mind. Of course, there are other ways you can work on how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water.

Let’s keep reading to learn more methods.

How To Kill Mosquito Larvae In Pool Water Safely And Effectively

Mosquito larvae are not dangerous, but they are annoying.

Mosquito larvae can be a real nuisance when they get into the swimming pool, but the good news is that it’s relatively easy to deal with them. There are several methods that you can use for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water and keep the water clean and safe for swimming.

Here are some of the best ways you can safely and effectively kill mosquito larvae in the pool:

1. Use Oils

Some oils can make a very effective and safe method you can use for how to kill mosquito larvae in water. This method works by suffocating the pests and will not harm the water or cause irritation to you when swimming.

When using oil for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water, make sure that you only use recommended products that are safe for your pool and for people. Keep in mind that not all products are safe and that some may contain petroleum distillates which can damage your pool’s surface and filter system.

2. Larvicide tablets

Larvicide tablets are another effective way to go about how to kill mosquito larvae in pools. If you use larvicide tablets, make sure you follow the directions on the packaging carefully because some of these products require dilution before they can be added to the water.

3. Mosquito dunks

Mosquito dunks are small plastic disks filled with a pesticide called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Each disk contains enough Bti to treat 100 square feet of surface area, so if your pool is smaller than 100 square feet then one dunk will be enough. If your pool is larger than 100 square feet, then you’ll need additional mosquito dunks.

Simply toss the dunks in the water and they will sink to the bottom, slowly dissolving over a period of 30 days or more. As they release Bti into the water, it kills off mosquito larvae in the pupae stage before they grow up and become biting adults.

Dunks are EPA-registered biopesticides that are safe for use around humans and animals, including fish and other aquatic life. They’re also safe for use in swimming pools since they only kill mosquitoes, so you don’t have to worry about any unpleasant chemical side effects from accidentally swallowing some of the water.

The Best Products For How To Kill Mosquito Larvae In Pool Water

It’s important to choose products that are safe to use in your pool.

The first thing that you need to know about how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water is what type of products are available. There are many different types of products that can be used to kill these pests, but some are more effective than others. In order to figure out which product will work best for you, you should start by researching the various products that are available.

You can do this by visiting the websites of different companies, reading reviews, and by speaking to professionals in your local area who have experience with certain products.

It’s also important to find out what kind of equipment is needed for a particular product. Some products require special equipment in order to get rid of mosquito larvae in the pool while others do not. If you don’t have any of the required tools at home, then it may be a good idea to contact a professional exterminator so that they can help you get rid of these pests safely and effectively.

Another important factor that you need to consider when it comes to how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water is safety. There are several different products that you can choose from, but some of them can cause serious health problems to swimmers if they are used incorrectly.

For example, using a chemical called dichlorvos (Dichlorvos) on a regular basis for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water can cause problems such as eye irritation and dizziness, as well as nausea and vomiting.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water or which products might be best, we have you covered with some of our favorite products below.

The Mosquito Torpedo

No products found.

The Mosquito Torpedo from the Pre-Strike brand is a low impact product that will get rid of mosquito larvae without harming your pool, plants, or pets. This product is easy to apply and environmentally friendly.

All you have to do is toss one into the water and it will slowly dissolve over a period of about three days, releasing a natural insecticide that will kill any mosquito larvae in the pool. It’s safe for humans too, so you don’t have to worry about the kids if they happen to get in the water before it has fully dissolved.

To use Mosquito Torpedo from Pre-Strike for how to kill mosquito larvae in pools, remove one tablet from the packet and drop it into the pool. Allow the torpedo to dissolve in the pool (it typically takes about three days), before enjoying the water.

Natural Summit Mosquito Dunks

No products found.

Natural Summit Mosquito dunks are made with a natural substance called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI).

This is a bacterium that has been used as an agent to control mosquito larvae in water treatment facilities and it is also used in some organic farming. The active ingredient, BTI, produces a toxin that targets the digestive system of mosquitoes and kills them.

To use these mosquito dunks effectively for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water, simply break off one tab (or as many as needed depending on the size of your pool), and place them directly on the surface of the water. You can also break the dunks up and distribute them around the pool.

Mosquito dunks not only work for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water, but they are also effective for how to kill mosquito larvae in ponds, fountains, and rain barrels.

Terro Mosquito Larvicide Pouches

No products found.

The Terro Mosquito Larvicide Pouch is a plastic pouch filled with mosquito larvicide that helps to control mosquito populations in areas where water accumulates and mosquitoes breed.

This product helps to kill mosquito larvae in swimming pools and other bodies of water before they can develop into biting adult mosquitoes. The pouch is easy to use and convenient to store, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who want to control the mosquito population around their property.

To use Terro Mosquito Larvicide Pouches, simply drop them into your pool’s skimmer basket on a weekly basis during peak mosquito season. It takes about one pouch per 10,000 gallons of water.

The pouches will dissolve in the water and release chemicals that kill mosquito larvae. This method is safe for kids, pets, plants and other wildlife.

If you have a backyard pond or birdbath, you can use the same product to kill larvae there. In fact, you can use this product anywhere there is standing water.

Super Shock Treatment Swimming Pool Cleaner

No products found.

Super Shock is a potassium monopersulfate-based pool cleaner that is extremely effective at getting rid of mosquito larvae in swimming pools. It’s a granular, non-chlorine shock treatment that can be added to any swimming pool regardless of the chlorine level.

It Contains oxygen, which not only immediately kills mosquito larvae upon contact but also keeps killing them for up to 24 hours. This oxygen-based formula is also safe for all types of swimming pools, including vinyl liners, painted surfaces and fiberglass pools.

Super Shock Treatment Swimming Pool Cleaner is an excellent choice for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water because it is able to kill them almost instantly—often within minutes. This product not only kills the larvae, but also prevents them from hatching into adult mosquitoes. It’s easy to use and will not affect your swimming pool’s chemistry or pH balance.

The active ingredient in this product is potassium monopersulfate (KMPS) which oxidizes organic waste such as bacteria, algae, oils and dirt while providing a quick boost of free available chlorine.

Arm & Hammer Clear Balance Swimming Pool Maintenance Tablets

No products found.

Another product you can use for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water is Arm & Hammer Clear Balance tablets. These tablets take out the guesswork of how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water while keeping your pool looking clear, clean and well balanced.

The active ingredients are sodium silicate and silica gel. These combine to form a gelatinous material that floats on top of your pool water and suffocates any larvae or insects that contact it. It also neutralizes phosphates as well as preventing new formation of existing deposits, which can make your pool water look cloudy.

Clorox Pool and Spa Tablets

No products found.

Many people use Clorox Pool & Spa Tablets to kill Mosquito larvae in the pool. They can be purchased at Walmart in the pool section or you can simply order them above.

To use these products for how to kill mosquitos in pool water, just toss a tablet into the skimmer basket and wait a few days for the tablet to dissolve. Once dissolved, you should be safe to go back in and enjoy your pool again.

Best Products For how To Prevent Adult Mosquitoes And Keep Them From Laying Eggs In Your Pool

Killing mosquito larvae can be less time consuming if you work to take care of the adult mosquitoes first.

Killing mosquito larvae in your pool can be time-consuming. Remember, a single mosquito can lay around 300 eggs in the pool at a time. The best way to prevent this is to be proactive when it comes to these pests and target adult mosquitoes before they have a chance to lay their eggs in the first place.

Along with taking measures to make your yard and property less attractive to mosquitoes (which we will talk about further down), there are also some products you can invest in to help keep adult mosquitoes at bay.

Wondercide Outdoor Spray

No products found.

Wondercide – EcoTreat Ready-to-Use Outdoor Pest Control Spray is made with plant based ingredients including natural essential oils that safely and effectively control a number of pests including mosquitoes.

This product offers an all natural approach to keeping insects at bay, and it comes in an easy to use gallon bottle that connects to your hose for easy outdoor application. The product is safe to use around people, pets, and the environment, and there is no spray and wait time.

It begins working immediately and is effective against roaches, fleas, ants, gnats, flies,and of course those pesky mosquitoes.

Cutter Backyard Bug Control

No products found.

Cutter Backyard Bug Control is another product we recommend if you’re looking for ways to repel adult mosquitoes and keep your pool clear of their eggs and larvae. This product works to control pests for up to 12 weeks and can cover up to 5,000 square feet when used as directed.

The spray bottle attaches to your hose for easy application and it can help control a variety of pests outdoors like mosquitoes, ants, flies, earwigs, roaches, and more.

Home Remedies You Can Use For How To Kill Mosquito Larvae In Pool Water

Some oils can be an effective method for killing mosquito larvae in pools.

Of course there are plenty of products you can use for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water, but you don’t have to travel to the store or use chemical insecticides to get the job done.

In fact, there are plenty of home remedies and household products you can find to help you kill mosquito larvae in your pool right in your pantry or medicine cabinet.

Here are the best home remedies you can use for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water

Use Your Water Filter Or A Net

A water purifier, or filter, is a great solution for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water. As the name implies, a pool water purifier filters out contaminants, including mosquito larvae and eggs. If you don’t have a purifier or filter available for your pool, you can simply use a very fine net to skim the larvae and eggs off of the surface of the water.

Introduce The Predators Predators to Your Yard

Introducing predators into your pool area is another simple solution for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water.

Some possible predators of mosquitoes and mosquito larvae include dragonflies, frogs, and birds.

If you’re not sure what kinds of mosquito predators are available in your area, you have the option of checking with your local nursery or garden center for advice on what types of animals would work best in your region.

Use Essential oils

Essential oils can be an effective way to kill mosquito larvae in your pool. These natural oils have powerful antibacterial properties that are toxic to the larvae, so they work as natural pesticides that are relatively safe for people and animals.

This is because most essential oils aren’t harmful if touched or inhaled (though peppermint oil is an exception). The amount of essential oils you’ll need for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water will depend on how big your pool is.

Some of the best essential oils for killing mosquito larvae in the swimming pool include:

• Lemon eucalyptus oil
• Lemongrass oil
• Cinnamon leaf oil
• Citronella oil
• Lavender oil
• Peppermint oil
• Cajeput oil
• Geranium oil
• Thyme oil

The most effective way to use these oils is to add one ounce of each of these oils to a spray bottle filled with two cups of water. Spray the solution all around the edges of your swimming pool, and repeat this process every day until you no longer see any mosquitoes or their larvae in or near your pool.

Dish Soap

Another home remedy that you can use to kill mosquito larvae in the swimming pool is to spray a mixture of dish soap and water over the surface of the water.

You can make this mixture by combining one tablespoon of dish soap with eight ounces of water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle well to combine the mixture thoroughly.

Then spray this mixture all over the surface area of your swimming pool several times a day until you no longer see any mosquitoes or their larvae in or near your swimming pool.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound that comes in a form of colorless liquid, but it’s usually sold with stabilizers that make it appear yellow. It is a common product that many people have in their medicine cabinet, and it contains water and oxygen. It’s this oxygen atom that gives hydrogen peroxide extra germ-killing power, and it’s what makes it a good choice for eliminating mosquito larvae in your pool.

Here are a few steps you can take to use hydrogen peroxide for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool areas.

1. Measure the dimensions of your pool, including its length, width and depth.

2. Multiply the length times the width times the depth to find the volume of your pool. For example, if your pool is 12 feet long by 8 feet wide by 4 feet deep, its volume will be 384 cubic feet.

3. Convert the volume from cubic feet to gallons using an online calculator or using an equation like this one: Volume (gallons) = Volume (cubic feet) x 7.48. In this example, the volume in gallons would be 2,878 gallons (384 x 7.48 = 2,878).

4. Determine the amount of hydrogen peroxide you will need based on how much water is in your pool and how much water you want to disinfect. Keep in mind that the amount needed depends on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide you buy.

5. Pour the hydrogen peroxide into the pool. Stir the water several times with a long stick or a paddle so that the solution comes into contact with as many larvae as possible. Wait 24 hours before swimming again in your pool after adding hydrogen peroxide.

Tips On Preventing Mosquito Larvae In Your Pool And Keeping Your Yard and Home Mosquito Free

Your pool should be your sanctuary, so don’t let it get bogged down with annoying mosquitos and mosquito larvae.

Keep your pool covered when you’re not using it to prevent adult mosquitoes from laying their eggs on your pool’s surface. If you don’t have a cover, consider putting a make-shift cover over your pool—even if it’s just a tarp.

But don’t stop there. Your yard could be attracting mosquitoes with other standing water sources. Make sure you are vigilant and that you are making your property the least attractive to mosquitoes as possible.

Be sure to empty any containers that could hold stagnant water including buckets, toys, pots, and other items around the home. Discard items like old tires or broken flower pots that collect water.

Check your gutters to make sure they’re clear of debris so they drain properly; otherwise, they can collect water and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you have a birdbath or other source of standing water outside, make sure it’s emptied regularly and refilled with fresh water to discourage mosquito breeding.

Look into plants that repel mosquitoes naturally. Some examples of these types of plants include lavender, basil, marigold, catnip, citronella grass, and lemongrass.

Unfortunately, there is no shortage of ways for mosquitoes to get into your pool. The best way to make sure the problem doesn’t get worse is to take care of those pesky larvae as soon as you see them.

Remember, some products are excellent at killing mosquito larvae in the pool water while others are designed to change the structure of your pool water. Not every product, method, or remedy for how to kill mosquito larvae in pool water is going to be right for every person or situation, so it’s important to take your time and do your research if you do anticipate having this type of problem as the weather warms up.

Do you have your own tips and tricks for keeping mosquitoes away? Share your thoughts with us below in our comment section!

Thanks for reading!