"The pool attracts mosquitoes and provides a breeding ground for them. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, and pools that are not properly maintained can become prime breeding grounds for them," said Shannon Harlow-Ellis, technical specialist and associate certified entomologist at Mosquito Joe.

Four to seven days after the eggs hatch, the larvae turn into biting adult mosquitoes and can take over your backyard.

Mosquitoes aren't just annoying, they also carry dangerous diseases such as Zika and West Nile virus. Some mosquitoes are so stealthy that you won't even know you've been bitten until you suddenly develop a puffy, itchy lump.

Here are some tips to keep mosquitoes at bay so you can enjoy your time at the pool.

Our goal is to make your pool as uninhabitable as possible for mosquitoes. So keep it clean and well-maintained.

"Clean and disinfect your pool by running the filter and adding chlorine regularly. Chlorine alone won't kill mosquito larvae, but it will help discourage them," says Emma Grace Crumbley, entomologist at Mosquito Squad.

Your pool's pump and filter will keep the water circulating so it doesn't become stagnant. Make sure you stay on task with pool maintenance too, such as cleaning filters and skimmers.

"When your pool is not in use, cover it with a pool cover to keep mosquitoes out of the water," says Harlow-Ellis.

Backyards can become overgrown and unkempt, and this type of environment happens to be attractive to mosquitoes.

"Remove excess grass, fallen leaves, firewood and lawn clippings from your yard. These things can collect water and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes," says Crumbley.

Consider mowing often and make sure any leaves, tall grass, pine needles and soggy branches are raked and thrown away.

Some plants are like kryptonite to mosquitoes and can make them buzz.

Crumley recommends planting mosquito repellent plants such as citronella or catnip near swimming areas. Citronella keeps mosquitoes away with its strong citrus scent, which masks the odour that attracts them.

Other mosquito repellent plants include marigold, lavender, basil, mint, rosemary, eucalyptus and garlic.

There are many backyard items that can hold standing water and create a habitat for mosquitoes to breed, especially after rain.

"Turn over larger items such as wheelbarrows and unused planters that are in your yard or near your pool area," says Crumbley.

The cover of your pool can also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so make sure water doesn't pool on it. Empty your cover once a week or after a rainfall.

"Also, be aware of some water features that may be around or in parts of your hardscape. These areas may provide ample sources for mosquitoes to breed," says Harlow-Ellis.

For fountains, make sure you change the water weekly and keep it running.

Remember that leaky pipe that you never got around to fixing? Or that outdoor shower that wouldn't quite stop dripping? Mosquitoes haven't.

"Take care of home maintenance needs that can lead to waterlogging. Fix leaky faucets and irrigation systems and clear clogged drains," says Crumbley.

If not fixed, these things can turn into chill zones for mosquitoes.

Sometimes extra work needs to be done to discourage mosquitoes, and creating a barrier can help - or, at the very least, reduce their numbers.

"Treat your property with a mosquito barrier to reduce the need to use insecticides on you," says Crumbley.

One way to create a barrier is to use an insecticide spray system. You can place several fixed insecticide sprays about 10 to 15 feet apart to create a barrier around your pool. Some have an automatic timer or sensor.

If you don't want to use insecticides, consider building a screen fence around your pool with netting. If your pool is already under a pergola, shed or gazebo, you can hang mesh or vinyl patio curtains. You can also hang yellow LED lights, which will repel mosquitoes and other bugs.