DIY mosquito control - Ask Extension
Good morning,
I recall seeing plans for a mosquito trap that used a 5 gallon bucket, some wet organic material at the bottom, with a few inches of wa...
Knowledgebase
DIY mosquito control #926152
Asked March 17, 2026, 9:54 AM EDT
Good morning,
I recall seeing plans for a mosquito trap that used a 5 gallon bucket, some wet organic material at the bottom, with a few inches of water. Add a stick that will extrude partway and a mosquito dunk. pretty much lasts all season. Mosquitos will lay their eggs in the 'muck', but they won't hatch. Do you have a copy of the schematic that I can share with neighbors?
Thank you,
Liz
District of Columbia County District of Columbia
Expert Response
Thanks for reaching out with your question. I think what you're referring to is a "mosquito bucket of doom." The general recipe is:
– 1 bucket half full of water (any size is ok, but typically a 5 gallon bucket is used)
– plus a handful of grass, leaves, or straw Mosquito
– plus 1/4 of a BTi dunk (mosquito dunk)
– a new 1/4 of a dunk is added once a month
You can find a pdf with more detailed instructions here that you can download and share: https://ocean.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/handout-Mosquito-Bucket-Of-Doom.pdf
Please reach out if you have any additional questions.
Rebekah H. | DC Master Gardener Volunteer
Thank you. That's it exactly.
