What is a common household source of mosquito larvae?

Flower pots with standing water serve as a common household source of mosquito larvae because they can collect rainwater or excess water from plant care. Mosquitoes require stagnant water to lay their eggs, and even small amounts of standing water can become a breeding ground. The soil and moisture in flower pots can also retain water, creating an ideal environment for mosquito larvae to develop.

While other household sources might seem plausible, they typically don’t provide the same consistent, favorable conditions for mosquito reproduction as flower pots do. For example, bathtubs, when used regularly, are typically drained and cleaned, reducing the likelihood of standing water. Air conditioning units usually do not hold water long enough in a manner conducive to mosquito breeding, and while garbage cans can hold water if not properly covered, they are not as consistently a source of stagnant water as flower pots. Thus, flower pots with standing water are particularly effective at fostering mosquito larvae, making them a critical focus for mosquito control efforts.