Cleanser for RAIN BARREL that's safe for orchids

[orchids44]

I've had a rain barrel for about 2 months now and love it. Recently I noticed mosquito larvae in the water.
Would appreciate any feedback on what cleanser folks use for cleaning the barrel...........and killing the critters. After rinsing well, I want to be sure the water is then safe to water the orchids with.
Thanks in advance !

[MrHappyRotter]

The only thing you have to do to kill mosquito larvae is empty the barrel, rinse it with plain water, and let it dry. You could even save the current water that's in there, just filter it through a net (brine shrimp net) or pantyhose...the mosquito larvae are too large to fit through.

Ideally you'd want to find a cover for your rain barrel that would prevent mosquitoes from getting in. Otherwise, you're going to have to continually deal with them breeding.

If for some reason you do want to scrub the barrel, you can use baking soda. Make a paste and use that to scrub. Just make sure to rinse it out really well to remove all traces.

But , cleaning is not going to make much of a difference. Your rain water barrel is going to collect "skeeters" again fairly quickly unless you put something protective over any openings to keep them from getting in.

[DavidCampen]

You can use Mosquito Dunks from Home Depot to control the mosquitos. This would not harm orchids.

12 in. Mosquito Dunks (6-Pack)-110-12 at The Home Depot
Summit Chemical Company | Mosquito and Insect Control Products – Mosquito Dunks®
http://www.myadapco.com/res/pdf/labe...ks%20Label.pdf
Bacillus thuringiensis
Mosquito Dunk Danger? | TheHorse.com

[orchidsarefun]

you should cover up the entry holes with pantyhose so that mosquitoes cannot enter/exit. Water with larvae will not harm orchids at all.

[Hedge]

At least you have only got larvae - I found this swimming in my water butt the other day - washed off the roof with the rain. I've been told it's a Sexton or Gravedigger beetle

[Orchidgirl83]

If you keep it filled all year round you could get mosquito fish (I do not know the correct name, but they look like small black minnows). You can call your local mosquito control agency, and they may give you some free, or for a small charge. I know they were giving them to anybody who had large bodies of standing water a few years ago around here.

[orchids44]

Thanks, everyone! I had no idea I could use the water in the barrel as long as it was strained. I have a screen on the top of the barrel but obviously not efficient enough. Covering the drain and spouts with panty hose is a great idea. I feel fortunate that I don't have beetles in my barrel. EeeeKKK!
And thank you Raleigh neighbor....I live in Chapel Hill....so nice to hear from another Carolinian.

---------- Post added at 08:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:42 PM ----------

Thanks, everyone! I had no idea I could use the water in the barrel as long as it was strained. I have a screen on the top of the barrel but obviously not efficient enough. Covering the drain and spouts with panty hose is a great idea. I feel fortunate that I don't have beetles in my barrel. EeeeKKK!
And thank you Raleigh neighbor....I live in Chapel Hill....so nice to hear from another Carolinian.

[ginnibug]

I have used the mosquito dunks for years and they work great! It just contains a bacteria that kill the larvae, won't harm plants at all. In the way of cleaning your barrel?? You can use pretty much any regular cleaner, just make sure you rinse well. If you feel the need...use a diluted vinegar rinse to rid the soap scum. Ginnibug

[gravotrope]

that's some good advice here, also, dragonfly larvae eat them!

a weak mixture of physan20 should kill them, AND "clean" the barrel since they use bacteria and fungus to survive their larval stages. But I do not have a rain barrel, nor do I use physan.

[orchids44]

Thanks, Ginnibug