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Eliminating Mosquito Larvae
- The most effective way to avoid bites -
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Summary: Controlling mosquito larvae is the best way to reduce mosquito bites and the diseases that mosquitoes spread. Standing water sources, where larvae develop, should be eliminated or treated.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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Treat or eliminate standing water
 Sounds simple but it is true -- the best way to eliminate mosquitoes is to eliminate mosquito larvae (right). Mosquito larvae develop in standing water. Even a small volume of water can support large numbers of larvae. Landscape containers, fountains and ponds should be checked regularly for mosquito larvae. They will appear as small wriggling "worms" attached to the surface (right) or swimming near the bottom.
Treating mosquito larvae in water is best done with a bacterial insecticide called Bti (shorthand for Bacillus thurengiensis israeliensis). This bacterium is highly specific for mosquito and black fly larvae and won't harm plants, fish or other animals that drink the water.
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| Yellow fever mosquito larvae (top) suspended, head down, from water surface by siphon tubes. |
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Bti should be applied to water as granules (Mosquito Bits) or pressed cakes (Mosquito Dunks) which dissolve releasing the bacterium. If dunks are used in horse troughs you should sink them with a weight so that the horses don't eat them.
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Other prime mosquito breeding sites are gutters, discarded tires and any debris that can hold water. Drain these -- especially after mid-summer when mosquitoes will be nearing their peak activity.
What about adult mosquitoes?
Don't use blacklight-type traps ("bug zappers") for mosquitoes. They may actually make matters worse because they tend to draw mosquitoes into the area. These devices also indiscriminately kill beneficial insect species.
New propane-powered mosquito traps are one way to capture and kill adult mosquitoes without using insecticides. They do not impact beneficial insects. These new traps lure female mosquitoes by a combination of carbon dioxide and odor.
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Finally, contact your county board of health and talk to them about setting up a regional mosquito control district in your area. Also, see the repellents page for your best options for personal mosquito and biting fly protection.
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Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.
Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.
Please see the Disclaimer statements as well (sorry, but these are necessary).
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