Mosquito larvae in the rain barrel

Why the rain butt?

Mosquito larvae can only develop well near water. The female mosquitoes instinctively choose nesting sites such as puddles, garden ponds or calm lakes. The main thing is that there is no movement of water. There one Rain barrel often on a sheltered one Location and there is no precipitation for a long time in summer, the animals will find the optimal breeding place here.
On humid summer days, the number of eggs laid is up to 100 eggs per day. Initially, the larvae remain undetected under the surface of the water for a few weeks. But then they rise and become a nuisance for every garden owner. But there are ways to prevent eggs from being laid and to combat the hatching brood in an emergency.

Preventive measures

Possibility Number 1

1. Cut the fly net and stretch it over the surface of the water.
2. Include the downpipe.
3. Protect the net from blowing away with a cord around the bin.
4. Wrap additional nets around the downpipe for protection.

You could also have your rain barrel with one lid seal. In this case, too, you have to integrate the downpipe using a narrow opening. However, you can then no longer control the water level.

Possibility 2

Mosquitoes only breed on calm waters. With a filter destroy surface tension and make the nesting site unsuitable. Fish also set the water in motion. Then the larvae cannot stay on the surface of the water and drown in the rainwater.

Combat

• Put three tablespoons of vegetable oil in the rain barrel.
• Alternatively, use three tablespoons of dish soap.
• Use biological repellants from specialist dealers.

Note: The first two methods mentioned are very inexpensive, but they degrade the water quality. When using vegetable oil, the water threatens to go rancid. In addition, a unpleasant smell.