How can I prevent mosquitoes in humidity trays?

[nynighthawk]

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!

[james mickelso]

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.

[nynighthawk]

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

[james mickelso]

Any soap. tablespoon per quart.

[nynighthawk]

Okey dokey.

Thanks!

:-D

[silken]

a product called mosquito dunks I think is available. Some people on here use them and say they work.

[nynighthawk]

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.

[HighSeas]

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!

[Island Girl]

Originally Posted by HighSeas

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!

[Bud]

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