Managing Mosquitos Using Larval Dunks
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Collapse ▲How to Create a Larval Trap, aka “The Bucket of Doom”
Mosquitoes are a common nuisance during the warmer months here in coastal North Carolina. Not only do they interfere with our outdoor activities, but they can be a significant public health pest with the ability to transmit diseases such as West Nile and Zika viruses. It is vitally important for municipalities to manage these pests to reduce or eliminate transmission of these diseases.
It may be tempting to spray or fog your own backyard with insecticides for mosquitos, however it is important to know that pyrethroid pesticides used to kill mosquitoes are broad spectrum and will kill any insect they contact including pollinators such as bees and butterflies. If your goal is to create wildlife habitat or grow a vegetable garden in your yard, broadcast spraying of non-selective insecticide during daylight hours will not support those goals.
It’s important to understand the mosquito life cycle:
- All mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle
- Some lay eggs on surface of water, eggs hatch in 24-48 hours
- Others lay eggs on sides of tree holes or discarded containers that will later fill with water.
- Larvae (called “wrigglers”) live about 7-10 days before transforming into pupa, then the adult emerges in 3-4 days
Controlling mosquitoes at the larval or “wriggler” stage is by far the most effective strategy to reduce mosquito populations. Homeowners can control mosquitoes in their own backyard by eliminating breeding sites for mosquitoes. “Tip and toss” any standing water where mosquitos can lay eggs. Birdbaths, buckets, and plant saucers are common culprits.
Steps for making a Mosquito Larva Trap, aka “The Bucket of Doom”
Homeowners can also create Larval Traps to encourage adult mosquitoes to lay eggs in water that has a larvicide in it. These larvicides, called mosquito dunks, are made of Bacteria thuringiensis, a bacterium that is toxic only to larvae. It is safe for all other wildlife, fish, and pets. Mosquito Dunks can also be placed in standing water that can’t drained such as ditches or small ponds.
Materials needed:
Bucket
Straw, Hay, or Dried Leaves
Water
Mosquito Dunk® or another brand containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
Chicken Wire or similar screening – optional
How to Assemble the Larval Trap:
- Add hay, wheat straw, or dried leaves to an empty bucket.
- Fill with about halfway with water.
- Allow the water and organic material to ferment for a few days. This will produce gases that are attractive to mosquitoes.
- After about 3 days, add the mosquito dunk to the top of the hay.
- You may want to add chicken wire or use the lid with very large holes drilled in it to keep children and pets out of the bucket. Some will add a stick in the bucket to provide an escape ramp for critters.
Maintenance:
- Be sure to place the bucket in an area where it will not overflow from rainfall. You can also drill holes in the top edge of the bucket to prevent overflow.
- You may need to add water periodically if water levels are getting low.
- Dunks will last around 3-4 weeks before they need to be replaced. You may need to empty and add new organic material at this time. The water is harmless and can be poured in the garden.
- Place the bucket away from where people will be sitting to draw adult mosquitoes away.
Check out this publication from Extension Specialist, Dr. Michael Waldvogel, for more information on Mosquito Control around Homes and Communities.