ProjectsContests
Asked by in Outside
9412Views6Replies

Author Options:

edit topicdelete topic

DIY Mosquito Dunk? Is there a safe way to keep mosquito larve from growing in standing water under my house plant? Answered

I'm hoping the member geniuses can give me a method of making a home made mosquito dunk, or suggest safe additives that will prevent mosquito larvae from utilizing the standing water surrounding my water-loving taro plant as a nursery. Thank you for your brain power and suggestions.

Tags:insectsuppressant

Comments

The forums are retiring in 2021 and are now closed for new topics and comments.
0
Kiteman
Kiteman

Best Answer 11 years ago

Mosquito larvae breath through their tails, piercing the surface. Add a few drops of oil - vegetable oil, mineral oil, engine oil - and you seal the larvae off from the air.

0
ivyplant
ivyplant

Answer 11 years ago

Thank you, Kiteman! I just knew there had to be a simple inexpensive solution to my itchy, annoying problem. It may not seem like much, but you have helped me enormously. Now I can once again leave the door open to give my dogs the freedom of the yard without being eaten alive. My carpets and I thank you! The Cosmos will reward you. I am forever in your debt.

0
Kiteman
Kiteman

Answer 11 years ago

You're welcome!

0
diydude
diydude

11 years ago

What makes sense to me is to put a cloth over the open tank, maybe something like that faux silk stuff. Anything with a tight knit, high thread count cloth should work well. That should keep any bug out of there.

0
NobodyInParticular
NobodyInParticular

11 years ago

  • In the same vein as Kiteman, you can deny them access to air by adding dish detergent (or any kind of soap). This prevents them from making use of surface tension.
  • You could also add some guppies or other hardy and quickly-reproducing fish to the water. They may not eat all the larvae, but should keep them under control.
  • Simplest of all- put a cover over the water, perhaps plastic wrap or a stocking. Mosquito larvae are extremely hard to kill. It is better to prevent the adult mosquito from entering in the first place.

0
ivyplant
ivyplant

Answer 11 years ago

Thank you for your answer. I like the dish detergent idea as an alternative to oil. Options make one rich, greatly appreciated.