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.

[Wild Orchid]

Originally Posted by silken

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

I was told at Home Depot that mosquito dunks are banned in Canada. (Was looking to use it on fungus gnats.)

[imationkarl]

Not sure why they would be banned as it is a bacteria specific to fungus gnats and mosquito. Read reviews. They are clean and awesome

---------- Post added at 03:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:20 AM ----------

Looked it up, could find nothing online about them being illegal in Canada and we have no shipping regulation on it.

[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!