Keeping your backyard swimming pool pest-free can feel like a full-time job, especially during our Arizona summers.
Mosquitoes, water bugs, and wasps don’t just ruin a relaxing pool day; they can become a health hazard if you don’t stay on top of things.
The good news? With the proper pest control around your pool and a few easy habits, you can enjoy a clean, comfortable outdoor space all season long.
Here’s how to protect your pool area from unwanted pests and keep your poolside paradise bug-free.
Key Takeaways
- Standing water, including pool water and puddles, attracts mosquitoes and other waterborne insects.
- Maintaining your pool filter and skimmer helps prevent larva buildup.
- Landscaping choices and citronella-based repellents help deter pests.
- Professional pest control services can solve recurring poolside pest issues.
Why Your Pool Attracts Unwanted Pests
Your pool area offers exactly what pests are looking for: water, shelter, and the occasional food source. In the summer, especially in places like Phoenix, Chandler, and Tucson, the heat accelerates insect activity, making your pool even more inviting.
Standing water is one of the biggest culprits. Even though your pool water is treated, stagnant puddles on the deck or in the pool toys can become mosquito nurseries. Debris, such as leaves and dead bugs, also feeds larvae, and if your skimmer isn’t cleared regularly, it becomes a hidden buffet.
Overhead lights attract flying insects at night, while dense landscaping around the pool provides a perfect hiding place for pests like termites or wasps during the day.
Ongoing pest problems around the pool are usually tied to one or more of these factors. Identifying what’s attracting the bugs is the first step toward resolving the issue.
Keep Your Pool Water Clean and Moving
One of the easiest ways to discourage pests is by keeping your pool water in constant motion. Pests prefer calm, undisturbed water, which makes regular circulation a reliable deterrent.
Running your pool filter every day is essential. It helps remove organic material and stops algae from forming. Skim the surface frequently, especially if you notice dead bugs or floating leaves. Stay on top of pool chemicals as well. When the balance is off, the water becomes more appealing to some pests.
Be sure to empty pool floats and toys when not in use. Rainwater collects quickly, and even a small amount is enough for mosquito larvae to thrive. Keeping your pool clean not only makes it more inviting for swimmers but also less attractive to pests.
Minimize Standing Water Around the Pool
Mosquitoes don’t need much to get started. A few ounces of water is all it takes for them to lay eggs. That’s why it’s essential to keep the area surrounding your pool just as dry as the water inside is clean.
Check for puddles near the pool deck after a monsoon storm or sprinkler run. Don’t overlook bird baths, pet bowls, or empty flowerpots; anything that can hold water might become a breeding site. If you use a pool cover, make sure it fits tightly and doesn’t allow water to collect in low spots.
Simple preventive measures, such as clearing out standing water, can save you from a full-blown infestation later in the season.
Make Smarter Landscaping Choices
Your backyard landscaping plays a bigger role in pest prevention than you might think. Overgrown shrubs and thick vegetation near the pool provide moisture and shade, creating ideal conditions for termites, ants, and flying insects.
Keep bushes trimmed and remove excess mulch near the pool’s edge. Choose low-maintenance plants that don’t attract bugs or require heavy watering. For a natural pest deterrent, consider adding marigolds or lavender to your garden. They’re not only attractive, but also have mild repellent effects against some insects.
Also, watch your irrigation schedule. Watering too often or too late in the evening can lead to damp conditions that pests love. In some cases, adding a physical barrier such as gravel or a stone border around your pool can help discourage crawling insects from reaching the water.
Use Pest-Safe Repellents Poolside
Not all repellents are safe around pool water, especially if they risk altering your chemical balance. But several effective, pool-friendly options won’t interfere with your swimming routine.
Citronella torches or candles placed around the pool deck can help discourage flying insects. A portable fan is surprisingly practical too; mosquitoes aren’t strong flyers and tend to stay away from breezy areas.
For furniture and umbrellas, you can apply diluted essential oils, such as peppermint or lemongrass, to deter pests. Just avoid spraying near the water itself.
If you plan to use any DIY sprays, test them in a small area first to ensure they won’t discolor surfaces or attract ants due to added sugar content. Avoid using harsh pesticides around the pool if you have pets or kids; instead, opt for professional guidance when needed.
Stay Ahead of Common Poolside Pests
Most pool owners in Arizona will run into a few familiar pest faces. Mosquitoes are the usual suspects, especially in shaded or poorly drained areas.
You may also spot water boatmen or backswimmers, bugs that live in the pool water itself. Water boatmen feed on algae and are mostly harmless, but their presence attracts backswimmers, which can deliver a painful bite.
Wasps, especially mud daubers, may build nests under patio awnings or in pool equipment boxes. Ants or termites may appear near wooden structures, or if mulch stays damp for too long. While occasional sightings are common, frequent appearances usually signal a more significant issue.
If you notice bugs in your skimmer every time you clean or see them hovering near the water throughout the day, it’s worth taking a closer look around the yard.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional
Routine maintenance and natural repellents go a long way, but they can’t always address the root of a pest infestation. If you’ve cleaned, trimmed, and drained everything you can think of, but bugs keep coming back, it may be time to call in the experts.
Green Home Pest Control offers custom pest control services for outdoor spaces, including pool areas. Our technicians are well-versed in the local pests found in Arizona and utilize safe, effective methods to control them.
Whether you’re dealing with water bugs, flying insects, or termites nesting in the landscape around your pool, we can help you keep your outdoor space enjoyable throughout the summer.
Final Thoughts
Your pool should be a place to relax, not a landing zone for biting insects and sneaky pests. With a little maintenance, thoughtful landscaping, and pool-safe repellents, you can take back your outdoor space.
And if you’re still experiencing bugs after taking all the necessary steps, Green Home Pest Control can help.
We serve homeowners across the Phoenix Valley, from Scottsdale and Chandler to Tucson and surrounding cities. If you’re tired of chasing bugs instead of enjoying your pool, reach out today. You can visit our contact page or call us to speak directly with a team member.
FAQs
Do mosquitoes breed in pool water?
If the pool is clean, chlorinated, and circulating, mosquitoes won’t breed in it. However, they can breed in stagnant water nearby, such as puddles, planters, or unused pool toys.
Are water boatmen harmful?
Not directly. They feed on algae, but their presence can invite backswimmers, which are more aggressive and do bite.
Can I spray pest repellents directly on my pool deck?
Yes, but stick to natural or essential oil-based options and avoid getting them in the pool water. Always test on a small surface first.
How often should I check for standing water?
At least once a week during summer. After a rainstorm or heavy watering, check sooner.
21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
