In last month’s blog, we discussed the negative impact of mosquito fogging—even the greenwashed kind–on pollinators, even in adjacent yards, and simple alternatives like using fans (but not bug zappers that rarely kill biting insects but do indiscriminately kill large numbers of other struggling insect populations).
Homegrown National Park, which emphasizes that private residential landscapes are critical because protected public lands on their own cannot fix biodiversity loss, is supporting a Mosquito Bucket Challenge. Rather than spraying for mosquitoes, we are encouraged to take a whole-yard approach in which we: 1) create a healthy habitat where mosquitoes can be eaten by natural predators such as dragonflies and damselflies, 2) make a mosquito bucket to target mosquito larvae, 3) dump standing water, 4) treat other water such as in rain barrels and ponds, 5) protect ourselves appropriately, and 6) work with our neighbors. https://homegrownnationalpark.org/mosquito-bucket-challenge/
What, you may ask, is a mosquito bucket? It is a five gallon bucket in which organic matter, water and a mosquito dunk (https://summitchemical.com/products/mosquito-dunks/) are combined to create a mosquito “population sink” that is not harmful to other wildlife. https://homegrownnationalpark.org/build-mosquito-bucket/ It is very important to add a “rescue stick” so that other creatures seeking water do not become trapped inside. Also, one must regularly check water levels and replace mosquito dunks per the label instructions. As stated by Wild Ones, “Healthy landscapes depend on insects. The challenge is reducing pests without harming the many beneficial species that share our yards. Mosquito buckets offer one practical way to strike that balance. By targeting mosquitoes at their source, homeowners can take action against a summertime nuisance while helping protect pollinators, fireflies, and other wildlife.” https://wildones.org/mosquito-bucket/
North Loop Neighborhood Association 