Mosquito control without harming honey bees and other pollinators - Ask Extension
What is an effective way to kill and control
Mosquitos without harming honey bees and other pollinators?
Knowledgebase
Mosquito control without harming honey bees and other pollinators #904931
Asked June 08, 2025, 9:21 PM EDT
What is an effective way to kill and control
Mosquitos without harming honey bees and other pollinators?
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Mosquitos require standing water or other bodies of water to complete their life cycle. Eggs are laid on water, and the larvae develop in the water before emerging as adults.
If there are areas that regularly pond with water, you could apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis to the water. This strain of BT only targets mosquito larvae.
Preventative insecticide applications in grassy areas with mosquitos usually require a pyrethroids, which can be toxic to pollinators if there are also blooming plants in the area. If a pyrethroid application is necessary, spraying in the evening lowers the chance of pollinators coming in contact with the spray. Be sure to read the label before using any insecticide.
Alternatively, wearing long sleeved clothes and applying a DEET based repellent is another option to prevent mosquito bites without spraying plants.
If there are areas that regularly pond with water, you could apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis to the water. This strain of BT only targets mosquito larvae.
Preventative insecticide applications in grassy areas with mosquitos usually require a pyrethroids, which can be toxic to pollinators if there are also blooming plants in the area. If a pyrethroid application is necessary, spraying in the evening lowers the chance of pollinators coming in contact with the spray. Be sure to read the label before using any insecticide.
Alternatively, wearing long sleeved clothes and applying a DEET based repellent is another option to prevent mosquito bites without spraying plants.
