Many homeowners add ponds, fountains, and other water features to their gardens. These are beautiful but, if not managed properly, they can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Then, the larvae feed on the organic debris (like the algae). Once the larvae spend up to two weeks in the water, they pupate and become adult mosquitoes. These insects are an iconic summer pest and a nuisance, but they can also cause health problems as mosquitoes transmit serious illnesses, such as Dengue, Malaria, Zika Virus, and West Nile Virus. Preventing their bites can be difficult, so one of the best ways to manage these problems is to stop them from breeding in your backyard during mosquito season.
Natural Mosquito Control For Ponds & Water Features
The best way to stop mosquitoes in Atlanta from breeding in water features is to clear the environment. As larvae need organic debris like algae, not only as food but as protection, you should remove all the vegetation from the pond. Plus, you can install a pond skimmer to keep it clean.
The Water Should Be Deep
Even one ounce of standing water can hold a large population of mosquito larvae as they survive best in shallow water. So water features deeper than 2 or 3 feet are less likely to be breeding grounds.
Keeping Water Gardens Mosquito-Free
The first thing you need to do is to check for all standing water features. Empty, drain, or cover all surfaces that hold standing water. It can be a pot, old tires, an empty bottle, buckets, or a pool. Empty all containers and cover them so that they won’t fill up again when it rains to prevent mosquito larvae from swimming in them.
Treat Your Water With A Wildlife-Friendly Insecticide
If you are wondering what to put in standing water to prevent mosquitoes from nesting, there are many chemical insecticides but you can also use natural predators. Add fish to your water features as they are a great mosquito larvae killer. Some minnows can eat hundreds of mosquito eggs in a week. Plus, this will promote the introduction of other healthy predators such as nematodes, dragonflies, bacteria, and backswimmers, which feed on mosquito eggs and larvae. These are all-natural mosquito larvae killers. You can also plant some mosquito-repellent herbs like rosemary, lavender, citronella, catnip, and mint.
What To Put In A Fountain To Prevent Mosquitoes
In addition to the fish, you can also add bubblers or water-wigglers to keep water moving all the time to prevent the mosquito larvae from coming to the surface to breathe. You can also add some vegetable oil so the surface will get thicker for the larvae to pierce and breathe, and also prevent them from feeding.
Some water features have too many plants or standing water so they need more larvicides. The BTI (Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis) is a natural bacterium that targets the larvae of mosquitoes and it doesn’t harm any other insects, birds, or mammals that drink that water.
Buy any Mosquito Dunk or call Tuxedo Mosquito Control for free delivery of a product that contains BTI, which lasts up to 30 days each, and are effective mosquito larvae killers for ponds.
How To Prevent Mosquito Breeding In Water Plants: Change Water Collection Pans Daily
Plant pots usually contain a plate that holds all the remaining water from the rain or just watering. Empty them at least once a week.
Mosquito Misting & Spraying
If you already have a mosquito colony in your home, the best solution may be to mist and spray your garden and treat any source of standing water. Not only will this help keep mosquitoes from breeding, but it will also keep them off your property altogether!
Tuxedo Mosquito has the expertise and equipment necessary to help you do this. Contact us for a free yard evaluation today!
Clean Bird Baths
Birdbaths are a wonderful accessory to your backyard as they attract all kinds of beautiful birds, but it is in that same water they drink that mosquitoes can breed. Scrub down the bath at least once a week.
Repair Any Outside Leak
Sometimes we may not notice there are leaks outside the house, either from plumbing that has been exposed to the weather or from air conditioners that drip condensation. This water can create a pool and, thus, a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Maintain Swimming Pools
The chlorine levels in swimming pools should be monitored regularly to make sure the pool remains clean.
Clean The Rain Gutters
Rain gutters and drains usually get filled with debris and trap water after a rainfall. Mosquitoes can breed in this standing water. Keeping rain gutters clear of leaves and debris and free of clogs, will not only help the maintenance of your home but also keep mosquitos from breeding here.
Keep Trash Bins Covered
Most trash bins collect rainwater, even the ones with a lid. You can drill holes in the bottom so that water doesn’t build up.
Check For Holes & Crannies
Make sure your backyard is free of any hole or space for water to build up and mosquitoes to breed, such as some tree branches or holes in the patio floor.
Mow Your Lawn
Though mosquitoes don’t breed on the high lawn, they use it to rest. Mow your lawn as frequently as possible.
Make Sure Your Water Tank Is Properly Sealed
Water tanks tend to get holes and leaks when they are a few years old. Make sure there is no stagnant water on the edges where mosquitoes can breed and seal the tank.
Conclusion
Basically, in order to stop mosquitoes from breeding in your water features, you need to have a plan for every potential standing body of water on your property. That said, a typical yard could have dozens of potential places where weather gathers, especially after rain. All of those can be very difficult to keep up with, so consider investing in professional mosquito treatment service in Atlanta to create a shield around your property, so mosquitoes don’t get the chance to find any standing water in the first place.