How do I prevent Mosquito larvae from invading my Rain Barrel??

Question

gross gross gross.
Would like a Natural remedy.
Im hesitant to use chemicals as we use the rain water to water the garden.

Please help.

Answer 1

if you're using it only to water the plants, i suggest adding mosquito fish. they're very hardy and like their name suggests, eat mosquito larvae. moreover, the water will be better for ur plants as they have natural 'fish' wastes in it.

Answer 2

Get some fine netting, (like nylon window screening, mosquito netting or even bridal veil netting), and place it across the top of the barrel. Use a king-sized rubber band, like the kind that hold a garbage can liner in place, stretched around the top to hold the screen or netting in place. I've seen these king-sized rubber bands for trashcans at home stores like Home Depot or you can use a bicycle innertube stretched.

This is a no-chemical solution, just by using a physical barrier to prevent the mosquitos getting to the surface of the water. Cheap, (maybe even free depending on what you can find around the house), and very effective at keeping your water clean of bugs and debris.

Answer 3

Depending on how large the rain barrel is, you could use nylon like a stocking to cover the top, it still allows the water through but stops the mosquito's. It needs to be checks regularly though

Answer 4

If you put a little vegetable oil on the water, it floats and seals the water and can "drown" larvae. The best bet may be to get some little rosies or minnows that eat larvae. Their poop would help fertilize your plants.

Answer 5

use ordinary dish soap, and it's good for the plants.