How can I prevent mosquitoes in humidity trays?
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  #1  
Old 06-15-2013, 10:33 PM
nynighthawk nynighthawk is offline
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How can I prevent mosquitoes in humidity trays? Female
Default How can I prevent mosquitoes in humidity trays?

Hi folks,

Well, it's skeeter time in New York City.

I've already seen the little critters and I'm wondering what y'all do to avoid them getting into humidity trays and breeding in the water?

I'm using broken terracotta potsherds in the trays and the water is usually about 1/4-1/2 inch deep. Plenty deep for mosquitoes to breed in. It only takes one to start a population boom.

I cruised the earlier conversation threads and someone suggested "mosquito bits" as a remedy for fungus gnats.

What do you all do to avoid mosquitoes, though?

Any suggestions greatly appreciated. I hate those $)(@% critters. They love me, though...not in a good way. LOL

Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 06-16-2013, 12:56 AM
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james mickelso james mickelso is offline
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How can I prevent mosquitoes in humidity trays? Male
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Dish soap. Cooking oil works but limits the evaporation of the water too. Soap cuts the surface tension of the water the the wigglers drown. Heheheheh.
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  #3  
Old 06-16-2013, 01:58 AM
nynighthawk nynighthawk is offline
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How can I prevent mosquitoes in humidity trays? Female
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Thanks, James.

I didn't think of that.

I know it's not a good idea to use the humidity tray water on the plants. But, sometimes, I do give them a little bit, if I don't have my watering can handy. I guess this'll be a good incentive to stop doing that. Win/win.

Does 1/2 teaspoon/quart of water sound too much/too little?

I'm assuming you mean something like Ivory, a non-detergent?

Jess
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  #4  
Old 06-16-2013, 02:48 AM
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james mickelso james mickelso is offline
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How can I prevent mosquitoes in humidity trays? Male
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Any soap. tablespoon per quart.
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  #5  
Old 06-16-2013, 03:01 AM
nynighthawk nynighthawk is offline
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Okey dokey.

Thanks!

:-D
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  #6  
Old 06-16-2013, 01:19 PM
silken silken is offline
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a product called mosquito dunks I think is available. Some people on here use them and say they work.
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  #7  
Old 06-17-2013, 09:22 AM
nynighthawk nynighthawk is offline
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How can I prevent mosquitoes in humidity trays? Female
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Yes, I might look into the mosquito dunks...or mosquito "bits", which seems to be a granular form of the dunks.

Good choices, though...either the Bti dunks or soap. I took a look online for info about the mosquito dunks. They're certified safe around birds and fish and even OK for "organic" garden production. I might get that and add it to my garden birdbath in addition to the humidity trays.

I'm feeling empowered to do battle! :-)

Thanks for the good leads.
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  #8  
Old 06-17-2013, 01:12 PM
HighSeas HighSeas is offline
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I really like the idea of 1 Tbsp / quart of water! It's free and if it works, that means I've saved money somewhere and can kidnap more orchids!
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Old 06-17-2013, 04:26 PM
Island Girl Island Girl is offline
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How can I prevent mosquitoes in humidity trays? Female
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HighSeas View Post
I really like the idea of 1 Tbsp / quart of water! It's free and if it works, that means I've saved money somewhere and can kidnap more orchids!
"Kidnap more orchids!"

I've used the dunks, and as far as I can tell, they work. I like the soap idea too!
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Old 06-17-2013, 05:06 PM
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I don't know where these blood suckers come from but they can get in my apartment several floors above and I don't like bugs of any kind....
I spray them with a soap/cinnamon mix and they drop from contact with the liquid. The mix also goes into my humidity trays to kill larvae and eggs....

10 drops dish soap
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract
2 cups tepid water
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