Plant Clinic

Two ways to discourage mosquitoes

Mosquito fish: Add them to ponds.

UF/IFAS Extension

By Adrian Hunsberger

dade@ifas.ufl.edu

Q. I am successfully growing aquatic plants in a pot submerged in water. Do you have any ideas on how to grow plants in water and prevent mosquitoes?

J.K., South Dade

You can either add a few mosquito fish or goldfish to the pond, and/or add mosquito “dunks,” a bacteria ( Bacillus thuringiensis v. israelensi s). This bacteria kills immature mosquitoes but is safe for other animals. The “dunks” look like white donuts and are available at large garden centers. You can cut the dunks into pieces if only a small amount is needed.

Adrian Hunsberger is an entomologist/horticulturist with the UF/IFAS Miami-Dade Extension office. Write to Plant Clinic, 18710 SW 288th St., Homestead, FL 33030; e-mail aghu@ifas.ufl.edu.

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