Mosquito Control Dubai: Your Questions Answered

November brings perfect weather to Dubai - and unfortunately, relentless mosquitoes. If you're being bitten constantly, you're not alone. Here's what you need to know about why mosquitoes are so bad right now and what actually works to stop them.

Why are mosquitoes so bad in November?

Mosquitoes love the same weather you do. October through February brings temperatures between 20-30°C - perfect for mosquito breeding and feeding.

They were actually inactive during the summer's extreme heat.

Plus, everyone's watering gardens heavily after summer, creating countless breeding sites. Standing water combined with perfect temperatures equals a mosquito explosion.

I thought mosquitoes were a summer problem?

That's the biggest misconception in Dubai. Mosquitoes struggle with 45°C heat just like we do.

Autumn and winter are actually peak mosquito seasons here because temperatures is ideal and gardens are being heavily irrigated.

Where are they breeding in my garden?

Check everywhere water sits for more than a few days:

• Pot plant saucers - your biggest culprit if you're watering heavily
• Garden low spots where irrigation water pools
• Blocked drains holding standing water
• AC condensation areas around outdoor units
• Forgotten containers - buckets, old plant pots, toys left outside
• Pool/water features if not properly maintained

Walk your garden after watering. Anywhere you see puddles is a breeding ground.

How often should I check for standing water?

Twice weekly minimum during autumn and winter.

Mosquitoes go from egg to biting adult in 7-10 days when temperatures are perfect (like right now). That forgotten pot saucer is producing new mosquitoes constantly.

What plants actually repel mosquitoes?

These genuinely help when planted around outdoor seating areas:

• Citronella grass - what citronella candles are made from
• Lavender - thrives in Dubai's cool months
• Rosemary - excellent for planting around patios
• Basil - bonus: use it for cooking
• Mint - strong scent mosquitoes avoid (keep in pots - it spreads!)
• Lemongrass - architectural and effective
• Marigolds - contain natural insect repellent

Reality check: Plants help reduce activity around specific areas, but won't solve a major breeding problem. You can use them alongside breeding ground elimination.

Do citronella candles actually work?

Yes, but with limitations.

They create a small protection zone around seating areas when positioned upwind. If mosquito pressure is high, they won't keep you completely bite-free, but they do reduce activity. Multiple candles positioned strategically work better than one.

What about natural essential oil sprays?

Mix water with a few drops of citronella, eucalyptus, or lemongrass oil in a spray bottle. Spray around outdoor furniture and seating areas.

It provides temporary relief- maybe an hour or two - but requires frequent reapplication. Not a substitute for a proper repellent if you're being bitten heavily.

When are mosquitoes most active?

Dawn and dusk - exactly when you want to be outside enjoying the weather.

They're less active during the bright midday sun. If you're having breakfast at 6:30am or dinner at 7pm, you're outside during peak feeding times.

Using fans around seating areas helps - even a light breeze makes it hard for mosquitoes to fly and land on you.

Why are villas worse than apartments for mosquitoes?

Gardens equal breeding grounds.

Villas have countless opportunities for standing water from irrigation. Apartment balconies can still breed mosquitoes in plant trays, but the volume is much lower than a villa garden with multiple breeding sites.

I've eliminated standing water, but still getting bitten. Why?

Your neighbours might have breeding sites. Adult mosquitoes easily fly between properties.

You can do everything right, but if the villa next door has poor mosquito management, their mosquitoes feed on you.

This is also when professional treatment helps - they can treat your outdoor areas to reduce adult populations even if you can't control the breeding source.

What does professional mosquito control actually do?

Professionals provide:

• Breeding site inspection - finding spots you missed
• Larvicide treatment - kills larvae before they become biting adults
• Adult mosquito control - fogging/spraying to knock down current populations
• Ongoing monitoring - checking treatment effectiveness

Cost: AED 300-600 for villa comprehensive treatment, AED 200-400 for apartments.

How long does professional treatment last?

One treatment in early autumn (October/November) combined with good breeding ground elimination often provides protection through winter.

Severe problems might need follow-up treatment mid-season.

Can I just spray the garden myself?

Consumer products are far less effective than professional treatments.

You might kill some adult mosquitoes, but you won't address breeding sites properly. Professional products and application methods achieve better results and last longer.

What's the single most effective thing I can do right now?

Empty every pot plant saucer in your garden. Right now.

Then do it twice weekly going forward.

This alone eliminates massive breeding potential if you're watering heavily. Takes 10 minutes and makes an immediate difference.

Should I stop watering my garden to prevent mosquitoes?

No need to let your garden die!

Just eliminate places where water sits after irrigation. Water in the early morning so excess evaporates during the day rather than sitting overnight. Fix low spots where water pools. Remove saucers from pots or drill drainage holes so water can't collect.

Do those electric zappers work?

They kill some insects, but aren't targeted at mosquitoes specifically.

They might catch a few mosquitoes, but they also kill beneficial insects. Not very effective for the investment.

What about mosquito dunks or tablets?

Mosquito dunks (larvicide tablets) work well for standing water you can't eliminate - like decorative ponds or large plant pots.

Drop them in the water and they kill mosquito larvae for weeks. Available at garden centres. Good supplement to breeding ground elimination.

I'm getting bitten indoors at night. What do I do?

Mosquitoes are coming in through open windows and doors. Get fly screens installed immediately.

This is the single best investment for enjoying fresh air without mosquitoes invading your bedroom.

Until screens are installed: close windows at dusk when mosquitoes are most active, or accept you'll need to use repellent indoors.

When will the mosquito problem improve?

Not until March/April, when temperatures start climbing toward summer levels.

You've got several more months of mosquito season ahead. Either address it now with proper control measures or spend the next four months being miserable every evening.

Is it worth calling professionals if I'm already being eaten alive?

Yes. You're dealing with established breeding and high populations.

DIY measures alone won't turn this around quickly enough. Professional treatment knocks down current populations whilst you work on eliminating breeding sites.

Every evening you spend indoors avoiding mosquitoes instead of enjoying your garden is time wasted during Dubai's best weather. The treatment cost (AED 300-600) is minor compared to the months of not using your outdoor spaces.

Ready to actually enjoy your garden again?

Check Trusty connects you with Dubai Municipality-certified pest control experts who specialise in mosquito control. They'll inspect your property, treat breeding sites and adult populations, and establish protection so you can stop being eaten alive every evening.

Connect with verified mosquito control experts who understand Dubai's seasonal mosquito challenges and can provide the treatment you need - right now, whilst November's perfect weather continues.

For more detailed information:

Read our complete mosquito control guide or seasonal pest problems in Dubai.

Check Trusty connects Dubai homeowners with Dubai Municipality-certified pest control experts who specialise in mosquito control strategies that work in Dubai's unique climate. Whether you need comprehensive garden treatment, breeding site identification and elimination, or ongoing mosquito management through autumn and winter, verified experts understand the specific challenges Dubai's seasonal patterns create.