Build a Mosquito Bucket

Introduction

Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. A mosquito bucket attracts them as a place to reproduce.

A mosquito dunk (Bti) prevents larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes, interrupting the life cycle and reducing mosquito populations over time.

There are six responsible ways to manage mosquitos.

• Support a healthy habitat by planting native plants and avoid sprays to help encourage our native dragonflies, birds, and bats that eat mosquitoes.
• Make a mosquito bucket to target larvae in a controlled spot before they become biting adults.
• Dump standing water.  Female mosquitoes will only lay their eggs in still water.  It can be a very small amount of water so search your property for containers, gutters, or saucers that might be a tempting breeding ground.
• Treat standing water that you cannot dump.  Use mosquito dunks in bird baths, rain barrels (if they have openings - close barrels will not be a problem), and ponds.
• Protect yourself by using screens, fans, repellents, and protective clothing to help reduce bites.
• Spread  the news and get your neighbors involved.  Mosquitoes don’t respect property lines and even if you remove or remediate all the breeding sites on your property, they will be happy to use your neighbor’s yard instead.

Step by Step

1. Get Your Bucket
Get a 5-gallon or similar bucket that you can use.

2. Add Water
Fill the bucket about two-thirds full with water.

3. Add Organic Material
Add a small handful of dead leaves or grass clippings.  As the water sits, it will begin to break down and become more attractive to mosquitoes looking for a place to lay eggs.

4. Add Your Dunk
Break up your mosquito dunk and drop approximately one-quarter of the dunk into your bucket. 

5. Add a cover or a Rescue Stick
Add a lid with plenty of large holes drilled or wire secured with a rock or zip ties. Alternatively, (if you don't have pets or small kids), place a stick in the bucket so it leans out above the rim. This gives small animals an escape route if they fall in.

6. Place the Bucket
Choose a shaded, low-traffic area where mosquitoes are likely to gather.  Corners of your yard or along property lines often work well.

Ways to Improve Results

• Start early in the mosquito season, before populations build.
  
• Use multiple buckets if you have a larger yard or multiple mosquito-prone areas.
• You can speed up the process by letting the water sit in the sun for a few days before placing your bucket.
• Drill a small hole at your desired water line so excess rain can drain and prevent overflow.

Mosquito Bucket Resources

Mosquito Bucket Challenge
A project by Homegrown National Park.  Join thousands reducing mosquitoes without fogging—in your own yard.

Guidance When Using Mosquito Dunks
A pamphlet offering guidance on responsible use of mosquito dunks from the New York State Department of Health.

Mosquito Bucket Follow Up Q&A | You Asked, I Answered
You Tube video from joegardenerTV offers answers to questions you might have about mosquito buckets.