You know what’s a pain in the neck? Mosquitoes. They buzz around your head, and the worst part is that they’re just so small you can’t even see them. But if you have a bird bath or pond in your backyard, then you might be worried about mosquitoes breeding in it. If so, don’t worry! With these tips from an expert gardener, we’ll show you how to keep mosquitoes out of your water source and keep them away from annoying bites for good.
QUICK TIPS
- Keep the water level low.
- Clean and change the water regularly.
- Cover your bird bath, and make sure it has a tight fit so that mosquitoes can’t get in–bugs don’t enjoy being trapped! If you have an uncovered bird bath but want to protect it from mosquitoes, try using a mosquito trap or repellent instead of dunking.
- Use a bird bath mosquito trap or repellent periodically to keep your birds happy while also keeping bugs away from them during feeding time.
What can you put in water to keep mosquitoes away?
Here are some things you can try:
- Mosquito Dunks. These are small, brown discs that contain a bacteria that’s harmful to mosquito larvae. They work by breaking down in water over time and releasing the bacteria into the water. You can put one or two dunks into your birdbath every two weeks during peak mosquito season (typically April through August).
- Mosquito Fish. These are small fish that eat mosquito larvae in stagnant water sources like ponds and backyard pools. They’re available for purchase at pet stores and also come with their own food pellets (you’ll need to buy those too). One or two fish will do the trick!
If you’re worried about adding more chemicals into your yard space, another option is planting certain types of plants near where you want them protected from mosquitoes. Some examples include catnip, citronella grasses, lavender bushes and mints (like peppermint), which all naturally repel these pests through their strong aroma when crushed underfoot—and may even prevent them from landing on nearby surfaces if planted close enough together!
Can you put mosquito dunks in bird bath?
No. Mosquito dunks are meant to be put in stagnant water, not running water. Placing mosquito dunks in a bird bath will kill the birds that drink from it and will pollute the environment.
In order to keep mosquitoes out of your birdbath, you need to take proactive steps. The best way is by keeping a clean and clear source of fresh water for birds and other animals to use throughout the year. If you want to know how to prevent mosquitos from coming around your house, read on!
How do you keep mosquitoes from breeding in stagnant water?
Mosquito larvae love stagnant water. If you want to keep mosquitoes from breeding in your bird bath, you’ll need to add more water to it regularly.
The best way to do this is by using a hose. Just turn on the tap and let the water stream into the basin until it’s full. You can also use a watering can if you don’t have access to a hose or prefer not to use one for some reason (maybe because of an indoor installation).
The frequency with which you add fresh water will depend on how often birds use the bath and how fast rainwater evaporates from it, but at least once a week is recommended for most locations where mosquitoes are prevalent during warm periods throughout summer months.
Can you put bleach in a bird bath?
It is not recommended to put bleach in a bird bath because it can be dangerous for the birds.
- It could be harmful to their health, and this is why we don’t recommend putting it directly into the water.
- Bleach can also damage or kill plants, so you should avoid using it on your lawn as well.
- If you feel that your bird bath has an odor because of mosquitoes, try adding some vinegar instead of bleach!
Conclusion
With just a few simple steps, you can prevent mosquitoes from infesting your bird bath. These measures will also keep the water clean and help prevent algae from forming. If you want to find out more about how to keep mosquitoes away from your yard, check out our blog post on natural ways to repel mosquitoes.
