Keeping Water Gardens Mosquito-Free

Products that control mosquito larvae are available to consumers. Items like mosquito pucks contain Bacillusthuringiensis spp. israelensis, which is a bacterium that will kill mosquito larvae (but has no effect on eggs or pupae). While they are effective, they must be replaced regularly. There are easier, more natural ways to keep mosquitoes at bay, including using plants that block bugs and fish that love to munch on insects and their larvae. These alternatives do the job on a permanent and ongoing basis, while also enhancing the beauty and enjoyment of your pond.


Natural Mosquito Solution

Moving water: A waterfall, a fountain, or an air bubbler keeps the surface water constantly moving, which will keep female mosquitoes from laying their eggs. Or you can install a small pump in container ponds, such as half barrels, to create a fountain or to swirl the water gently, which will also discourage egg laying. The main point: Moving water equals no mosquitoes.

 Hungry fish: Fish are good at keeping out mosquitoes by eating them, but large fish, like koi, are often too big to feed on small larvae; guppies or killifish are more appropriate for this purpose. The trick is not to feed them—or, at least, feed them very little—because an outdoor pond has enough insects, algae, and other organisms to feed your fish naturally.

 Floating plants: Plants can be useful in reducing the surface area of ponds. Waterlilies (Nymphaea cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 3–11) are the best choice for this, but many floating plants will also block out mosquitoes. Be sure to check invasive reports (www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/main.shtml) before purchasing water plants as many varieties are invasive.

source