Knowledgebase
Supporting bees but not mosquitos #878879
Asked July 26, 2024, 11:35 AM EDT
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Ramona
Studies have shown that the active ingredient in mosquito dunks that use Bacillus thuringiensissubsp. israelensis (Bti) is “minimally toxic to bees”. So, check the product you use and be sure it is using Bti to control the larvae.
See item 9 in https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/bti-mosquito-control
And this— “There are pesticides that will not harm bees, but will kill mosquitoes, says William Kern, associate professor of urban entomology at the University of Florida/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center.
“The larvaciding materials Methoprene should have very little impact on honey bee colonies and no mortality on adult honey bees. Bti, a biological pesticide, has no impact on honey bees,” Kern said. “The problem comes from the use of adulticides like Naled, pyrethrin, or resmethrin, that will kill exposed bees.”
You can also empty the container and put in fresh water every 24 hours, since it takes 24-48 hours for larvae to hatch.
https://www-aes.tamu.edu/files/2010/05/MosquitoLifeCycle.pdf