Is Your Yard a Mosquito Oasis?

View the pdf version here.

A collaboration with Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants

A vibrant garden featuring pink flowers, orange poppies, and lush greenery, with people visible in the background.
Image by TPF Native Plant Garden Tour
Say goodbye to plants that attract mosquitoes, and hello to beautiful, bite-free California plants!

Step 1: Assess Your Yard

Are there cool, shady areas with dense plants?

Follow this step-by-step list to determine the environment you're working with.

Examples of  mosquito-attracting environments:​​​​​​

A lush, green scene featuring various tropical plants and trees, with a glimpse of water in the background.
A lush scene with large, green tropical leaves, some showing brown edges, set under a tree in a natural, sunny environment.
A serene path through dense bamboo, creating a natural tunnel of green and tranquility.
A dense wall of vibrant green ivy leaves, showcasing various shades and textures in natural light.
A dense green hedge with vibrant leaves against a clear sky. The scene is peaceful and natural.
A lush green tree with vibrant leaves, surrounded by a manicured circular hedge in a garden setting.
A lush, green scene featuring various tropical plants and trees, with a glimpse of water in the background.
A lush scene with large, green tropical leaves, some showing brown edges, set under a tree in a natural, sunny environment.
A serene path through dense bamboo, creating a natural tunnel of green and tranquility.
A dense wall of vibrant green ivy leaves, showcasing various shades and textures in natural light.
A dense green hedge with vibrant leaves against a clear sky. The scene is peaceful and natural.
A lush green tree with vibrant leaves, surrounded by a manicured circular hedge in a garden setting.
Many SoCal yards have non-native plants that grow densely with large leaves that provide resting places for mosquitoes to beat the heat
A purple flower with a bee collecting pollen, surrounded by spiky cactus elements. Nature's vibrant harmony!
Image by Theodore Payne Foundation

Step 2: Choose Your Plants

Enjoy this curated list of plants that are great alternatives to popular non-native plants. These plants provide your home with the same modern appeal, and reduce the mosquitoes. 

Hedge: Lemonade Berry

Water Requirement: Low          Soil Type: Any

Specialty Features: Songbirds, Erosion Control

Flowering Months: March, April, May, February

Close-up of pink and white flowers clustered with green leaves, showcasing delicate blossoms and budding floral elements.
Image by Theodore Payne Foundation
The image shows clusters of small, round, pinkish buds on a branch with green leaves, likely a flowering plant in early bloom.
Image by Theodore Payne Foundation
Close-up of pink and white flowers clustered with green leaves, showcasing delicate blossoms and budding floral elements.
The image shows clusters of small, round, pinkish buds on a branch with green leaves, likely a flowering plant in early bloom.

 

Accent Shrub: Palmer’s Indian Mallow

Water Requirement: Low          Soil Type: Any

Specialty Features: Pollinators

Flowering Months: January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, February

A vibrant yellow flower with a central cluster of stamens, surrounded by green leaves and buds, set against a blurred background.
Image by Theodore Payne Foundation
A close-up of a yellow flower bud surrounded by soft green leaves.
Image by Theodore Payne Foundation
A vibrant yellow flower with a central cluster of stamens, surrounded by green leaves and buds, set against a blurred background.
A close-up of a yellow flower bud surrounded by soft green leaves.

 

Ground Cover: Joyce Coulter Ceanothus

Water Requirement: Low          Soil Type: Any

Specialty Features: Aromatic, Butterflies, Songbirds, Erosion Control

Flowering Months: February, March, April

A close-up of small blue flowers with delicate petals and green foliage in the background.
Image by Theodore Payne Foundation

 

Grasses: Deergrass

Water Requirement: Low          Soil Type: Any

Specialty Features: Butterflies, Songbirds, Erosion Control

Flowering Months: June, July, August, September

The image features a lush clump of tall, green grass-like plants surrounded by wood chips and a fence in the background.
Image by Theodore Payne Foundation
The image features a dense clump of dry grass or ornamental plant, characterized by tall, thin, and sparse foliage.
Image by Theodore Payne Foundation
The image features a lush clump of tall, green grass-like plants surrounded by wood chips and a fence in the background.
The image features a dense clump of dry grass or ornamental plant, characterized by tall, thin, and sparse foliage.

 

Accent Tree: Western Redbud

Water Requirement: Moderate          Soil Type: Any

Specialty Features: Butterflies, Pollinators, Erosion Control

Flowering Months: March, April, May

A close-up of vibrant pink flowers on a branch, surrounded by green leaves and a blurred natural background.
Image by Theodore Payne Foundation
A scenic view featuring a flowering tree with pink blossoms amidst a forested area, bordering a paved road.
Image by Theodore Payne Foundation
A close-up of vibrant pink flowers on a branch, surrounded by green leaves and a blurred natural background.
A scenic view featuring a flowering tree with pink blossoms amidst a forested area, bordering a paved road.

 

Step 3: Step Outside and Enjoy the Benefits

Now that you're no longer mosquito grub, see how else you've treated yourself!

 

The image is a logo of the Theodore Payne Foundation, featuring an orange poppy and the text "for Wild Flowers & Native Plants, Inc."

 

For more in-depth information, Theodore Payne's website is blooming with plant guides! 

 

 

Other California Native Plants to Consider

A vibrant cluster of orange flowers grows lushly against a wooden structure, surrounded by leafy greenery.
Everett's Choice California Fuchsia | Water Requirement: Low | Soil Type: Any
A lush green shrub with small white flowers, surrounded by rocks and other greenery.
Nicholas Chamise | Water Requirement: Low | Soil Type: Any
A cluster of vibrant pink flowers surrounded by green foliage, showcasing delicate petals and intricate details.
Island Pink Yarrow | Water Requirement: Moderate | Soil Type: Any
A bush covered in vibrant blue flowers is seen near a house, adding color to the landscape.
Concha Ceanothus | Water Requirement: Low | Soil Type: Any
A close-up of a bush featuring small clusters of delicate white and pink flowers among green leaves.
Wavelength Sandmat Manzanita | Water Requirement: Low | Soil Type: Any
A lush, flowering bush with vibrant yellow blooms, surrounded by greenery and colorful wildflowers under a clear blue sky.
Blue Palo Verde | Water Requirement: Low | Soil Type: Any
A vibrant cluster of orange flowers grows lushly against a wooden structure, surrounded by leafy greenery.
A lush green shrub with small white flowers, surrounded by rocks and other greenery.
A cluster of vibrant pink flowers surrounded by green foliage, showcasing delicate petals and intricate details.
A bush covered in vibrant blue flowers is seen near a house, adding color to the landscape.
A close-up of a bush featuring small clusters of delicate white and pink flowers among green leaves.
A lush, flowering bush with vibrant yellow blooms, surrounded by greenery and colorful wildflowers under a clear blue sky.

Images by Theodore Payne Foundation