Question:
Is there a way to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in my pond? I’m not having a problem; yet, but afraid it's not too far off?Answer:
- Mosquitoes are easily controlled in ponds, fountains, water gardens, and birdbaths with a Larvicide.
- A Larvicide is an insecticide that specifically targets the larval stage of an insect. Besides mosquitoes, they’re commonly applied to control the larva or worm stage of caterpillars such as the Tomato Hornworm, Cabbage Loppers, and Budworm on petunias and geraniums.
- Mosquitoes are only going to be a problem where water is stationary and not moving. So it not necessary to bait every water source. Also, I’d include any saucer where water may collect for more than twenty-four hours.
- For the home and garden, the typical Larvicide for caterpillars is Bacillus thuringiensis, also known as Bt, while Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, known as Bti, and Bacillus sphaericus, is used specifically for mosquitos.
- When ingested, the target insects get a fatal case of the stomach flu as the bacteria crystallize a toxin that destroys their digestive tract. They’re a naturally occurring bacterium and pose no threat to kids, pets, other insects or the environment.
- In water, Mosquito Dunks and Bits, made by Summit Chemical Co are available for controlling mosquitoes.
- The Mosquito Dunk is a solid material in the shape of a donut. They float on the water's surface and will keep on working for thirty days or longer.
- While floating, they slowly release the larvicide on the water surface where it is eaten by the mosquito larvae, which then die before reaching maturity.
- You would apply one dunk per one hundred square feet of surface water. They can easily be broken up to treat small areas, and any unused dunks retain their potency so you can store them indefinitely.
- Mosquito Bits are designed to provide a quick kill when a large population of mosquito larvae is present. They’re also used in those areas where the dunks are not practical such as in saucers.
- These fast-acting control needs to be applied every fourteen days. We need to be diligent in controlling Mosquitoes because of the concerns with West Nile Virus.
Note:
Note: It is the female mosquito and not the male that bite. Her typical lifespan in nature is two weeks. Mosquito’s do not produce venom. Instead, the saliva from the bite is what causes the pesky welt and the annoying itching.Question:
Is it okay to recycle old wine in the garden? We want to discard some old bottles. So far, we have hesitated for fear that it might not be a good thing.Answer:
- With old wine, I'd pour it down the drain and not on your compost pile or around plants. Like a wine barrel, the pungent fragrance of the wine could last for an extended period.
- My horticultural concern is what if the wine has turned to vinegar. The increased acidity could be damaging.
- Hence, I see very little value in disposing of it in a garden.