Rain Barrels and Emerging Mosquitoes

During a recent consultation with Ellen, whose family has just moved to Decatur, we discovered that the rain barrel at their new house was not screened; the fish that had been in it point doing mosquito control had not been keeping up with the emerging populations, likely for several months. There were numerous larvae and pupae in the barrel, which now has a dunk in it and multiple buckets in the yard to start helping to reduce the local populations.

Dunks and Bits (the latter faster acting but less potent, needing replacement more often, in my experience and understanding) are helpful for any standing water in your yard, such as still ponds and bird baths. Make sure to empty and dry any accumulating water, as from frequent thunderstorms; you have about a week to intervene in the development of mosquito eggs/larvae/pupae. Remember that mosquitoes only need about a tablespoon of water for egg development!

Thanks, Ellen, for trying this non-toxic method. We’ll check back and report on the progress. Welcome to Decatur!