An Aedes japonicus mosquito rests on the water surface from which it just emerged.

Water fountains are a beautiful addition to any garden or outdoor space. They provide a tranquil ambiance and can attract a variety of birds and wildlife. However, they can also attract unwanted guests – mosquitoes. These pests are not just annoying; they can also carry diseases that pose a risk to human health. Therefore, mosquito breeding prevention is crucial for anyone with a water fountain in their yard.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, making your water fountain an ideal breeding ground. So, what can you put in your water fountain to keep mosquitoes away? This blog post will explore several solutions that will help you enjoy your outdoor space without the constant buzz of these pesky insects.

1. Use Mosquito Dunks

One of the most effective ways for mosquito breeding prevention is using mosquito dunks or bits. These products contain Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI), a bacterium that kills mosquito larvae but is harmless to humans, pets, birds, and aquatic life.

Simply drop one of these dunks into your water fountain every month during mosquito season. The BTI will kill any mosquito larvae present and prevent new ones from hatching.

2. Install a Water Agitator

Mosquitoes prefer still water for laying their eggs because it provides a safe environment for the larvae to develop. By adding movement to the water in your fountain, you can discourage mosquitoes from choosing it as their breeding ground.

There are several ways you can agitate the water in your fountain:

– Install a fountain pump: This will keep the water moving continuously.
– Use a water wiggler: This device creates ripples on the surface of the water.
– Add an aerator: This will oxygenate the water and create movement.

3. Add Natural Repellents

Certain plants and essential oils are known to repel mosquitoes. Adding these to your water fountain can help keep these pests away.

– Citronella: This plant is well-known for its mosquito-repelling properties. You can add a few drops of citronella oil to the water in your fountain.
– Lemongrass: This plant also contains citronella and can be planted around your fountain to deter mosquitoes.
– Lavender: Mosquitoes dislike the scent of lavender. Add a few drops of lavender oil to your fountain for a natural repellent.

4. Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is an essential part of mosquito breeding prevention. Mosquito larvae thrive in dirty, stagnant water, so keeping your fountain clean will make it less attractive to them.

Clean your fountain at least once a week during mosquito season. Remove any debris and scrub the surfaces with a brush. Then, refill the fountain with fresh water.

5. Use Fish

If your water fountain is large enough, consider adding fish that eat mosquito larvae, such as goldfish or guppies. These fish will help control the mosquito population by eating their larvae before they can mature into adults.

Conclusion

Mosquitoes can turn your tranquil outdoor space into a buzzing nightmare. However, with these strategies for mosquito breeding prevention, you can enjoy your water fountain without worrying about these pesky insects.

Remember that while these methods are effective, they may not completely eliminate mosquitoes from your yard if there are other sources of standing water nearby. Therefore, it’s important to eliminate all potential breeding grounds by emptying containers that collect rainwater and regularly changing the water in bird baths and pet bowls.

By taking these steps, you can keep mosquitoes away from your water fountain and enjoy peaceful evenings in your outdoor space once again.