Instructions
BUILD YOUR OWN MOSQUITO BUCKET TRAP
AVOID TOXIC SPRAYS • ENJOY YOUR YARD • SUPPORT POLLINATORS
Mosquito buckets are an easy, effective method of mosquito control. Safe for bees and other wildlife, they use a naturally-occurring bacterium (Bti) to kill mosquito larvae before they become biting adults.
The insecticides used by many mosquito control companies are harmful to beneficial, non-target insects while killing only a fraction of flying adult mosquitoes. These sprays can also drift to neighboring properties during application, persist for weeks, and contaminate waterways. Mosquito buckets are a great alternative to chemical insecticides!
Intown Ace Hardware has partnered with B Buckets to carry supplies for those who want to purchase directly and make their own. Check back regularly (they are consistently reordering — the demand is strong)!
Required supplies:
- 5 gallon black buckets
- MosquitoDunks® or MosquitoBits® (Bti)
- Organic material (grass clippings, leaves, hay)
- Water
Optional supplies:
- hydroponic lid [or landscape cloth or chicken wire or other wire mesh–large enough for insects to pass through–and bungee to hold it on]
- Landscape pin (or stick)
- Stones (or other weight – to keep curious critters from overturning buckets)
A few helpful hints:
- Buckets work better in shade (and/or with lids); direct sunlight harms developing larvae so female mosquitoes will seek out darker areas (thus the black buckets — with black lids, even better).
- More is more: we are not just being postmodern; the more buckets you place, the more opportunities mosquitos will have to find them. Most yards in Decatur will need 4 or more buckets; contact us. We are happy to consult!
- Standing water in your yard must be monitored and eliminated as often as possible, especially after rains. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in very little water like a teaspoon)
- Drilling a couple of holes in the bucket (optional) above the waterline will provide a drain for excess water, as in the case of heavy rain
- Buckets tend to work better if you can get them out before the season starts, but putting them out any time is better than not at all!
Even if you do not purchase our buckets, you can sign up for our reminders about replenishing; click the button on the front page of the website.
Please reach out with any questions!