Zika and bromeliads

The Bromeliad Society International (“BSI”) has a few very affordable and useful suggestions to handle bromeliads and decrease the breeding of mosquitoes in the plants’ wells.

First, methoprene. You can order it online under the name Altosid methoprene mosquito granules. Lasts 30 days.

Second, bacillus thuringiensis serovar israelensis, which is known as Bayer Advanced Garden Mosquito Preventer. Comes in granules in one-pound plastic containers at garden stores. Third, hydrogen peroxide. We recommend buying small, eight-ounce bottles, diluting with water in a four-gallon spray tank, and spray directly on the bromeliads.

Coupling these efforts with spraying bug repellent and wearing long pants and long sleeves will greatly reduce the likelihood of Zika issues. And, hopefully the government can package a properly budgeted bill for this serious health issue.

This story was originally published September 9, 2016 at 8:28 PM with the headline "Zika and bromeliads."