Question:
Is there a way to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in my pond? I’m not having a problem yet, but I’m afraid it’s not too far off.Answer:
- Mosquitoes can be effectively controlled in ponds, fountains, water gardens, and birdbaths using a larvicide. A larvicide is an insecticide that specifically targets the larval stage of insects. Besides mosquitoes, they are often used to manage the larval or worm stage of caterpillars such as the Tomato Hornworm, Cabbage Loopers, and Budworms, particularly on petunias and geraniums.
- Mosquitoes generally become a problem in areas where water is stagnant rather than flowing, so it’s not necessary to treat every water source. It's also important to treat any saucers where water may collect for more than twenty-four hours.
- For home and garden use, the most common larvicide for caterpillars is Bacillus thuringiensis, also known as Bt.
- For mosquitoes, the specific larvicides used are Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and Bacillus sphaericus. When ingested, these bacteria cause a fatal case of stomach flu in the target insects, as they produce a toxin that destroys the insects’ digestive tracts. These bacteria occur naturally and pose no risk to children, pets, other insects, or the environment.
- Mosquito Dunks are a solid, doughnut-shaped disk that floats on the water's surface. They are designed to work for thirty days or longer, slowly releasing the larvicide onto the water's surface, where it is consumed by mosquito larvae, resulting in their death before reaching maturity.
- You should apply one dunk per one hundred square feet of surface water. They can be easily broken into smaller pieces to treat smaller areas, and any unused dunks can be stored indefinitely while retaining their potency.
- Mosquito Bits are designed for quick control when a large population of mosquito larvae is present. They are also helpful in areas where dunks are not practical, such as saucers. This fast-acting control method must be reapplied every fourteen days.
- Mosquitoes are carriers of the West Nile Virus, making their control essential. Mosquito Dunks and Bits, produced by Summit Chemical Co., are available at many garden centers or online.
Question:
Is it okay to recycle old wine in the garden? We want to get rid of some old bottles, but we've been hesitant due to concerns that it might not be a good idea.Answer:
- With old wine, I would prefer to pour it down the drain rather than on your compost pile or around plants. The strong fragrance of the wine can linger for a long time, much like an empty wine barrel. Old wine turns to vinegar, so adding it to the soil raises its acidity, which is not beneficial.
- Therefore, I see very little advantage in disposing of it in a garden.