FAQs

What is the difference between controlling and repelling?

Controlling mosquitoes is lowering the population in your yard. Repelling is giving them some reason to avoid you or your yard, could be something applied to clothing or skin, or your plants (though even the “natural” sprays, like garlic and essential oils, will often repel pollinators, too).

No one is eliminating mosquitoes, not during the summer in Georgia. But we can safely reduce the numbers and, therefore, the bites.

How many buckets do I need?

The recommendations for numbers of buckets per yard vary considerably. If you have dense vegetation and/or specific areas that collect water, you likely want to concentrate buckets there (and regularly check and eliminate other water) — and also spread them along the perimeter of your yard, in shade if possible. In our experience, more is more. You can always add. We offer free consultations if you have questions.

Where can I get MosquitoDunks® or MosquitoBits®?

These are available online at big box stores, and at most hardware stores, including our local Intown Ace Hardware on Scott Blvd. You can usually find them with pesticides (even though they are not a chemical method) or garden supplies.

How often do I replenish dunks?

Recommendations vary considerably for number and frequency. There are directions for square footage and duration on the package. But we are recommending a quarter to half a dunk per bucket every three weeks. And sending out reminders. Sign up on our home page (Join! button)

Can I sign up for reminders even if I do not purchase BBuckets??

Yes! Our goal is to help people use buckets effectively, which includes regular maintenance (unless/until we decide to offer that service; we are collecting requests to determine interest). Just sign up for our replenish reminders!

It is August and I am just now discovering the magic of mosquito buckets. Am I too late?

No, buckets will help at any time, but you have to intervene in the population. It takes 7-10 days for mosquito larvae to emerge as adults. We can provide strategies to expedite the process. Unfortunately, in Georgia, mosquitoes will be active through the end of October.

Are they safe for kids and dogs?

Yes. The bacterium is safe for all living things except mosquito larvae and some species of flies. We have designed our buckets to withstand all the critters and kids.

As the warning on the buckets reminds us, there is a risk of drowning so please locate them in areas out of reach or under supervision.

We have two types of lids; one cannot be easily removed. If you have curious creatures in your family and community, you’ll want the ones that fit tightly! We are currently designing for elementary schools and rolling out new lids that tie to the buckets.

How to B Buckets differ from those offered by abatement companies?

In our understanding, all other companies offering mosquito bucket kits in our area use pyrethroids, albeit in low doses, sometimes in combination with a fungus that causes the specific chemical to adhere to female mosquitoes and be spread by them to other water sources. It is a growth regulator and, in many ways, has the same effect as Bti, which is a natural, biological agent. While such buckets systems are better than abatement sprays, they will still harm pollinators who venture into buckets. B Buckets do not.