A viral trend suggests that setting out open buckets of water treated with Mosquito Dunks® will attract and kill mosquitoes, but this method doesn’t solve the problem. While it may sound clever, it fails to account for how mosquitoes behave and reproduce.
Mosquito Dunks® contain a larvicide that targets mosquito larvae, not adult mosquitoes. According to the product label, “This larvicide gradually settles in the water where it is eaten by mosquito larvae growing there.” While this can be effective within a specific breeding site, it won’t control mosquitoes laying eggs elsewhere.
Adult mosquitoes are unaffected by Mosquito Dunks®. They will continue to fly, bite, and lay eggs in any available standing water, such as clogged gutters, plant saucers, birdbaths, or children’s toys. A single untreated container in your yard is enough to keep the mosquito cycle going.
To effectively reduce mosquito populations, focus on eliminating standing water altogether. Dump it out, tip it over, or refresh it frequently. Real mosquito control doesn’t go viral; it goes to the source.
For more information on how to outsmart mosquitoes this summer, visit our guide to mosquito-proofing your patio.
