Spring Means Mosquito Season: How to Stay Bite-Free as the Weather Warms

Spring in Australia is one of the best times of the year. The days get longer, the sun feels warmer, gardens come alive again — and after months of cooler weather, we’re all itching to spend more time outdoors. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones. As temperatures climb and rain showers become more frequent, mosquitoes also make their big seasonal comeback.

If you’ve ever noticed you’re suddenly swatting at these buzzing pests the moment spring rolls around, you’re not imagining it. The shift in weather creates the perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes: warm temperatures speed up their life cycle, while spring rain leaves behind puddles and standing water that become nurseries for their eggs. And once they hatch, these tiny biters waste no time turning barbecues, garden parties, and afternoon picnics into itchy, uncomfortable experiences.

But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, you don’t have to let mosquitoes ruin your spring plans. From eliminating breeding sites around your home to choosing the most effective repellents, a few simple steps can dramatically cut down your risk of bites

Why mosquitoes thrive in spring

If it feels like mosquitoes suddenly appear out of nowhere the moment spring begins, that’s because, in a way, they do. Most mosquito species in Australia lie dormant during the cooler months, with eggs, larvae, or adults surviving in a sort of suspended state until conditions become just right again. And those “just right” conditions arrive with spring.

Warmer weather = faster life cycle

Mosquitoes are cold-blooded insects, so their activity is closely linked to temperature. As spring temperatures rise above 15 °C, their metabolism speeds up, and so does their reproductive cycle. Eggs laid earlier in the year — which may have remained dormant through winter — suddenly hatch, and adult mosquitoes emerge and start breeding. What was once a slow, sluggish population quickly turns into an active swarm in a matter of days.

Spring rain creates breeding grounds

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near standing water, and spring rain provides plenty of it. Even small amounts of water — think puddles, birdbaths, pet bowls, plant saucers, or clogged gutters — are enough to support mosquito larvae. Once laid, it only takes 7 to 14 days for those eggs to develop into adult mosquitoes ready to bite and breed again.

This means a few rainy days followed by warm sunshine can rapidly trigger population booms, especially if water is allowed to sit undisturbed around your home or garden.

Humidity helps them thrive

Along with warmth and water, increased humidity plays a big role in mosquito survival. Moist air prevents them from drying out and allows them to stay active for longer periods. That’s why warm, damp spring evenings — the ones perfect for backyard barbecues and sunset walks — are also prime time for mosquito activity.

More food = more mosquitoes

Spring also means more hosts for mosquitoes to feed on — from humans enjoying time outdoors to birds and animals that return or become more active with the changing seasons. More available blood meals support more breeding, fuelling the mosquito population growth even further.

Where mosquitoes breed — and how to stop them early

When it comes to mosquito control, one of the most powerful things you can do to prevent mosquitoes buzzing around doesn’t involve sprays or repellents at all — it’s eliminating their breeding sites before they even have a chance to hatch. And the truth is, many of these sites are hiding in plain sight, often in our own backyards.

Mosquitoes don’t need a swamp or a large body of water to reproduce. In fact, a puddle no bigger than a bottle cap is enough to support dozens of larvae. Once laid, those eggs can develop into biting adults in as little as a week — especially in spring, when warm temperatures speed everything up. That’s why identifying and removing these breeding spots is the first and most important line of defence.

Common backyard breeding hotspots

Here’s where mosquitoes are most likely to lay their eggs around your home:

• Clogged gutters and drains – A prime location for stagnant water to collect.
  

• Birdbaths and pet water bowls – Refreshing water sources for pets and wildlife can also host mosquito larvae if not cleaned regularly.
  

• Plant saucers and pot bases – These often collect rainwater that’s easily overlooked.
  

• Buckets, toys, or unused containers – Anything left outdoors that can collect water is an invitation.
  

• Rainwater tanks or compost bins – If not properly sealed, these can become breeding grounds too.

Even damp soil under pot plants or water pooling on tarps can be enough for mosquitoes to breed.

Your anti-mosquito checklist

A weekly walk around your property can make all the difference. Here’s what to do:

• Empty or refresh birdbaths, pet bowls, and plant saucers every few days.
  

• Tip out any water from buckets, toys, or outdoor furniture after rain.
  

• Clear gutters and drains regularly to prevent stagnant water build-up.
  

• Cover or seal water tanks and bins to keep mosquitoes out.
  

• Fill in or fix low spots in your garden where water collects.

Bonus tip: Use nature to your advantage

Certain plants can help naturally repel mosquitoes thanks to their scent. Adding citronella grass, basil, lavender, rosemary, or marigolds around patios and outdoor seating areas won’t eliminate mosquitoes entirely, but they can help reduce their presence — especially when combined with other prevention steps.

How to protect yourself from mosquitoes when outdoors

Even if you’ve done everything right around your home — emptied buckets, cleaned gutters, and cleared standing water — chances are you’ll still encounter mosquitoes once you step outside. That’s because these persistent pests don’t just breed near your backyard; they thrive in parks, gardens, bushland, and anywhere water and warmth collide. So when you’re planning picnics, evening walks, or backyard barbecues this spring, personal protection is key.

1. Use the right insect repellent

Repellents are your first and most effective line of defence against mosquito bites, but not all of them offer the same level of protection. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best one for your needs:

• DEET-based repellents – DEET stands for N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide. It’s highly effective and long-lasting, but they can be harsh on sensitive skin and aren’t always ideal for children.
  

• Picaridin-based repellents – Just as effective as DEET with a lighter feel and milder scent, making them a good everyday choice.
  

• Natural repellents – Formulated with essential oils like citronella, lemon eucalyptus, or lavender, these are gentler on skin and safer for children and sensitive users, while still offering strong protection when used correctly.

👉 If you prefer a plant-based solution, Good Riddance natural insect repellents are specially formulated to keep mosquitoes away without harsh chemicals — perfect for family use and outdoor adventures.

Application tips:

• Apply repellent to all exposed skin, as mosquitoes target any uncovered areas.
  

• Reapply after sweating, swimming, or every few hours as directed on the label.

2. Dress smart to stay protected

Clothing choices can make a surprising difference. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours and can bite through thin fabrics. The solution?

• Opt for light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes — they’re less attractive to mosquitoes and harder for them to penetrate.
  

• Cover arms and legs when possible, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  

• For extra protection, spray repellent onto your clothes or consider clothing treated with insect-repellent fabric.

3. Plan your outdoor time wisely

Mosquitoes are most active during early morning and late afternoon to evening, particularly around dusk. If possible, schedule outdoor activities outside these peak times — or make sure you’re well protected if you’ll be out during those hours.

Make your home a mosquito-free zone

It’s one thing to deal with mosquitoes outdoors — but nothing’s worse than finding them buzzing around your living room or circling your bed at night. With a few simple steps, you can turn your space into a place mosquitoes don’t want to be.

1. Seal up entry points

Mosquitoes are tiny but determined, and even the smallest gaps can become their doorway inside.

• Check window screens and door seals regularly for tears, holes, or loose fittings. Repair or replace any damaged mesh — even a gap the size of a pencil tip is enough for mosquitoes to slip through.
  

• Install door sweeps or weather strips on external doors if you notice light or airflow coming through the bottom.

These quick fixes go a long way in reducing the number of unwanted visitors indoors.

2. Use airflow to your advantage

Here’s something many people don’t realise: mosquitoes are weak fliers. A steady airflow is often enough to keep them from landing on you or entering a room in the first place.

• Position ceiling fans or standing fans in living spaces and bedrooms to create continuous air movement.
  

• On patios or verandas, oscillating outdoor fans can make a big difference during evening gatherings.

Not only does this make your home feel cooler, but it also makes it much harder for mosquitoes to hover and bite.

3. Add a layer of natural protection indoors

While physical barriers and airflow are key, combining them with natural mosquito deterrents takes your defence up a notch.

One of the easiest ways to add an extra layer of defence indoors is by applying plant-based insect repellent creams or lotions to your skin — especially if you or your family are prone to mosquito bites even inside the house. This can be particularly helpful during the early morning and evening hours, when mosquitoes are most active and may find their way indoors through open doors or windows.

Good Riddance natural repellents are an excellent choice here. Unlike harsh chemical sprays, they’re formulated with carefully selected essential oils that mosquitoes hate, creating an effective barrier without strong fumes or sticky residue. 

For an extra layer of protection, pair your repellent with an indoor gel diffuser. The SAN-AIR Mozzyno Gel is a natural reactive gel that releases a safe, slow vapour that helps neutralise airborne mosquitoes and discourage them from entering your space. When used together with a fan or air diffuser, it can extend coverage throughout a room, creating an environment mosquitoes actively avoid.

Conclusion: Enjoy the outdoors without the bites

Spring in Australia is meant to be enjoyed — from long lunches outdoors to warm evening walks and lazy afternoons in the garden. And while mosquitoes are an inevitable part of the season, they don’t have to ruin it. By tackling breeding sites early, choosing the right repellents and protective gear, and creating a mosquito-unfriendly home environment, you can dramatically cut down your chances of being bitten.

Shop Our Top Mosquito Protection Essentials