Nature Friendly Mosquito Control: Build Your Own Dunk Bucket
Protect yourself and our pollinators!
How does it work?
Female mosquitos are attracted to the standing water and lay their eggs in the bucket. The eggs hatch into larvae and the Mosquito Dunk kills the larvae.
What’s in the Mosquito Dunk?
A larvicide, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) is specific for aquatic mosquito larvae and soil fungus gnats.
Why is it better than having an insect or pest control company spray?
- Killing mosquitos in the larval stage rather than adult mosquitos is much more effective (100%).
- It’s less expensive, saving money and pollinators.
- Most importantly, it doesn’t harm beneficial insects.
But the mosquito companies spray an organic material, doesn’t that make it safe?
Sprays don’t discriminate. Natural and organic sprays kill both beneficial and pest insects.
Is it safe for kids and pets?
YES. Dunks do not harm people, pets, or the environment.
Are there other nature friendly options?
YES!
- Apply a personal repellent to your skin and clothing.
- Dump standing water regularly from anything that collects rain.
- Plant native plants to attract natural mosquito predators - birds, bats, and dragonflies.
Making the Mosquito Dunk Bucket Is Easy:
Supplies needed to make the Dunk Bucket:
- A bucket, any color, from 2 to 5 gallons.
- Grass clippings, or any organic material collected from your yard.
- Water
- Mosquito Dunk (Bti - Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis)
- Small section of chicken wire or hardware cloth
- Small drill bit, approximately 1/4 inch diameter
How do you put it together?
- Drill a few holes approximately six inches from the top of the bucket to control overflow of water during rainy periods.
- Fill the bucket with water to between half and two-thirds full, and maintain a similar level to keep the mixture wet and in standing water.
- Add a handful or two of straw, grass clippings, or other organic material from your yard. Female mosquitos are attracted as the material decays.
- Add Mosquito Dunk. One-quarter of a dunk is enough for a 5-gallon bucket.
- Place chicken wire or hardware cloth over the top and secure to prevent something from falling into the bucket.
- Place a stick in the bucket leaning out through the wire to provide an escape ramp for any small creatures that might fall in.
- Locate the bucket in the shade away from high-traffic areas.
- Add a one-quarter dunk to the bucket every 30 days. Without maintenance, buckets can become breeding sites instead of preventing mosquitoes.
- At the end of the season, clean the bucket and store for next year.
For more information: Contact the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Gardening Hotline: 913-715-7050 or garden.help@jocogov.org
Source: Doug Tallamy, University of Delaware, Entomologist