Mosquitoes are not only pests, but there are certain species that can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus. To cut down on risk of skin irritation or more serious infections, it's important to control not only the adult mosquito population but also the larvae they produce.
In many areas, rain barrels are used to conserve water to be used for lawn and garden purposes. But standing water is the ultimate breeding ground for mosquitoes, so it's important they be kept mosquito and larvae free to limit infestation. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Purchase mosquito dunks or bits and add them to the rain barrel. These larvacides can be found in the pest control center at a gardening or building store. Dunks and bits are made from a biologically safe bacteria called "Bti" or Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis. Larvae eat the bacteria, which kills them before they become full grown.
Dunks are small and doughnut-shaped and bits are granular. The difference between the two: bits are faster acting and dunks are sustained release.
2. Acclimate two to three goldfish to the rain barrel water by keeping them in the bag from the pet store and allowing it to float on the water until the temperature in the bag gradually adjusts to that of the water in the rain barrel. Open the bag and release the fish. Goldfish are available in pet centers and are hardy in most areas. They readily feed on mosquito larvae.
3. Measure, cut and fit a fine mesh screen for the rain barrel top to prevent mosquito infestation from recurring once the fish and larvacide do their job. The larvacide is safe for fish and humans, though rain barrel water is not meant for consumption. Keep the screen clean of debris accumulated after storms to collect as much rain water and run-off as possible.
Tags: rain barrel, barrel water, mosquito larvae, rain barrel, rain barrel water