Have you ever taken a closer look into your rain barrel? You will certainly find countless mosquito larvae there. Don't worry, this is perfectly normal. Because the females like to lay their eggs in this place. Find out why on this page. You'll also get helpful tips on how to get rid of the brood in an eco-friendly, organic way.

There are several ways to protect a rain barrel from mosquitoes

Why the rain barrel?

Mosquito larvae can only develop well near water. The female mosquitoes therefore instinctively choose nesting sites such as puddles, garden ponds or calm lakes. The main thing is that there is no water movement. Since a rain barrel is often in a sheltered location and there is no precipitation for a long time in summer, the animals find the ideal breeding place here.
On sultry summer days, the number of eggs laid is up to 100 pieces per day. At first the larvae remain unnoticed under the water surface for a few weeks. But then they rise and become a nuisance for every garden owner. But there are ways to prevent egg laying and to fight the hatching brood in an emergency.

preventive measures

Possibility Number 1

  1. Cut the fly net and stretch it over the water surface.
  2. Include the downpipe.
  3. Protect the net from being blown away with a cord around the barrel.
  4. Wrap additional nets around the downpipe for protection.

You could also seal your rain barrel with a lid. In this case, too, you have to integrate the downpipe using a narrow opening. However, you can then no longer control the water level.

option 2

Mosquitoes only breed on calm waters. With a filter you destroy the surface tension and make the nest site unsuitable. Fish also make the water move. Then the larvae cannot stay on the surface of the water and drown in the rainwater.

combat

  • Put three tablespoons of vegetable oil in the rain barrel.
  • Alternatively, use three tablespoons of washing-up liquid.
  • Use commercially available biological repellents.

Note: The first two methods mentioned are very inexpensive, but deteriorate the water quality. When using vegetable oil, there is a risk that the water will become rancid. There is also an unpleasant smell.

Category:

Garden design