EarthBox Forum
EarthBox Chat => Tips and Tricks => Topic started by: EarthBoxAdmin on June 19, 2017, 09:28:13 am
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, TimmyB. This was originally posted on June 21, 2009.
I have noticed mosquitoes coming and going from the water fill tubes in my Earthboxes. I am thinking they must have a mosquito city down in the reservoir so they breed lots of new mosquitoes.
So, I'm thinking I need something that will keep bugs out (like a screen or net), but still allow me to pour water in. Nylon stocking and a rubber band to stretch/hold it on comes to mind? Alas, I live in an all male household. We have no nylon stockings. Shocked
Has anyone else had mosquitoes breeding in your EBs? Any ideas?
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7, South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on June 21, 2009.
No need to block the tube (when your plants get big it would be a nightmare to access.) Just go to Lowes or HD in the pesticide dept and get some Mosquito Dunks... a donut shaped disc, 6/pack. Break it into 1/4s and put 1 piece into the tube. It should last around 30 days or until the problem builds up again. They are a form of BTi, totally harmless to everything except mosquito larve... biological control.
Also available are Mosquito Bits, a granular form of the same ingredient.
Mickie
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, MacSmiley. This user is located in Zone 4b in South Dakota. This was originally posted on June 24, 2009.
I was just wondering this morning about the potential for mosquitoes. Guess I'll have to check the garden center for the products you're describing... before the problem starts.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, earthworm73. This user is located in Z8 Washington State. This was originally posted on June 24, 2009.
I am thinking about putting those small feeder type of goldfish in the res. They should eat the larvae of the 'squitas and as long as it is full of water the fish should survive the season. Getting them out might be a problem but it is worth experimenting to me.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, CeaseFire. This user is located in North Central Mississippi - Zone 7b. This was originally posted on June 24, 2009.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, earthworm73. This user is located in Z8 Washington State. This was originally posted on June 24, 2009.
I am thinking about putting those small feeder type of goldfish in the res.
I'm in Mississippi. I'd have boiled fish the same day I put them in the reservoir!
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, earthworm73. This user is located in Z8 Washington State. This was originally posted on June 24, 2009.
Yeah I forgot about those in the deep south. It's been so long since I had to endure a southern summer i forgot what it was like (thank God).
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, clark821. This user is located in Oshkosh, WI Zone 4. This was originally posted on June 24, 2009.
earthworm73, I was born in the south and now live in the north. It ain't backwards. I love it!
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, earthworm73. This user is located in Z8 Washington State. This was originally posted on June 24, 2009.
clark where?
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Disclaimer: This was originally posted by Hero Member, greenesmith. This user is located in Zone 6B NYC. This was originally posted on June 26, 2009.
1 1/2" expansion plugs - which you can get at a plumbing supply place - will fit in the big feeding tube. Are kind of expensive, between $3-$4, but buy them once and have them forever! Still trying to find something for the overflow hole, which sizes somewhere between 4/8 and 6/8 (and is smaller size than smallest expansion plug).
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7. South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on June 26, 2009.
Disclaimer: This was originally posted by Hero Member, greenesmith. This user is located in Zone 6B NYC. This was originally posted on June 26, 2009.
1 1/2" expansion plugs - which you can get at a plumbing supply place - will fit in the big feeding tube. Are kind of expensive, between $3-$4, but buy them once and have them forever! Still trying to find something for the overflow hole, which sizes somewhere between 4/8 and 6/8 (and is smaller size than smallest expansion plug).
Warning: You do NOT want to plug or block the overflow hole. Some have taped screen material over the hole, but debris in the reservoir could create a blockage, and you wouldn't realize it until your box flooded out, drowning your plants. Mosquito Bits or Dunks work well without that risk.
Mickie
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, clark821. This user is located in Oshkosh, WI Zone 4. This was originally posted on June 2, 2009.
earthworm73, Pawhuska OK. Raised in Lubbock TX
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, CeaseFire. This user is located in North Central Mississippi - Zone 7b. This was originally posted on June 27, 2009.
I still don't understand how mosquitoes can breed in the EB reservoir.
Mosquitoes need still water and the EB is moving/mixing water.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7. South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on June 27, 2009.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, CeaseFire. This user is located in North Central Mississippi - Zone 7b. This was originally posted on June 27, 2009.
I still don't understand how mosquitoes can breed in the EB reservoir.
Mosquitoes need still water and the EB is moving/mixing water.
Ah, but they do!! The water moves very slowly in a 24 hr period, wicking from below, the surface would have very little movement. I guess that's sufficient for them to lay eggs and hang out. I make a point to let the water overflow for a good 15 seconds just to float out any larvae. It doesn't seem to help. You can see the 'skeeters fly out when I start to water... it's like someone rang the dinner bell and I'm on the menu Angry
Mickie
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Jr. Memebr, TX Lucy. This user is located in Zone 8b, Kerrville, TX. This was originally posted June 28, 2009.
Now I know why I was getting so many mosquito bites while watering my Earthboxes. For now I have covered the watering tubes with foil, but will check on the product mentioned. So far, no more bites!
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, chriscartens. This was originally posted on June 28, 2009.
I took a bronze wool pan cleaner, pulled off part of it and fluffed up the fibers. Stuffed it down into the water tube, and a smaller amount into the drain hole. Water passes just fine, but bugs can't get through. Seems to have solved the problem with minimal expense and hassle.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, splogue. This was originally posted on July 9, 2009.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, chriscartens. This was originally posted on June 28, 2009.
I took a bronze wool pan cleaner, pulled off part of it and fluffed up the fibers. Stuffed it down into the water tube, and a smaller amount into the drain hole. Water passes just fine, but bugs can't get through. Seems to have solved the problem with minimal expense and hassle.
I totally love that idea. I'm still gonna use the dunks because mosquitoes terrify me, but next time I'm at the grocery store some bronze pan cleaners are going in the cart.
Sean
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, Vincerama. This user is located in San Mateo, CA - Zone 8b(9 GW), Sunset zone 15. This was originally posted on July 13, 2009.
Not sure if this would work...but what about pouring some vegetable cooking oil in the reservoir? The oil should float on the surface and prevent the skeeters from laying eggs.
The problem I see in it might be that the wicking areas might get covered with oil and not wick anymore. Also the oil might get rancid. If the water level is held constant, this might not be a problem. Also I guess oil might screw up the AWS.
Putting a layer of perlite in the reservoir might make for a good floating anti-skeeter layer?
V
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, boxed-in. This user is located in Sedona, Arizona, Zone 6. This was originally posted on July 13, 2009.
Good thinking with the perlite! But wouldn't it wash out when you add more water, especially if the hose is delivering water at high pressure?
I added Mosquito Dunks a week or two after I set up my EBs, and haven't had any problems yet. Just no-see-ums, Angry but that's another story!
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, anndelise. This user is located in WA Zone 8 bordering on Zone 7. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
From the first when I got my EBs, I used foil to create a 'cover' for the watering hole that I take off when I water and put back on to prevent buggies and sluggies from getting in that way. I don't do anything to the overflow hole. Sometimes the wind will blow a cover off, and sometimes I have to replace a cover that I've torn during the process of removing and putting back on. But so far I've had no problems in that area.
I admit though, aside from worries about rusting, I like the pan cleaner idea. This way I wouldn't have to do the whole on/off thing. Would rust create issues for the plants or the 'soil'?
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7. South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, anndelise. This user is located in WA Zone 8 bordering on Zone 7. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
From the first when I got my EBs, I used foil to create a 'cover' for the watering hole that I take off when I water and put back on to prevent buggies and sluggies from getting in that way. I don't do anything to the overflow hole. Sometimes the wind will blow a cover off, and sometimes I have to replace a cover that I've torn during the process of removing and putting back on. But so far I've had no problems in that area.
I admit though, aside from worries about rusting, I like the pan cleaner idea. This way I wouldn't have to do the whole on/off thing. Would rust create issues for the plants or the 'soil'?
If that's the way you wish to go, then why not get some nylon net at the fabric store and bunch some up in the tube?
Mickie
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, anndelise. This user is located in WA Zone 8 bordering on Zone 7. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7. South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
If that's the way you wish to go, then why not get some nylon net at the fabric store and bunch some up in the tube?
Mickie
*slaps forehead*
yeah, nylon wouldn't have the rust issues.
I wonder if maybe just placing 1-2 nylon knee-highs over the tube would work. Easy on, Easy off.
I think I'll try that out on one of the EBs this evening for the rest of the season.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7. South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, anndelise. This user is located in WA Zone 8 bordering on Zone 7. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7. South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
If that's the way you wish to go, then why not get some nylon net at the fabric store and bunch some up in the tube?
Mickie
*slaps forehead*
yeah, nylon wouldn't have the rust issues.
I wonder if maybe just placing 1-2 nylon knee-highs over the tube would work. Easy on, Easy off.
I think I'll try that out on one of the EBs this evening for the rest of the season.
Now that my plants are grown, I can't imagine trying to get to the tube to remove a cover... how on earth do you do it?? As it is, I use a watering wand with the shower head removed to reach through the foliage to the tubes without my having to bend down or struggle.
MICKIE
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, anndelise. This user is located in WA Zone 8 bordering on Zone 7. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7. South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
Now that my plants are grown, I can't imagine trying to get to the tube to remove a cover... how on earth do you do it?? As it is, I use a watering wand with the shower head removed to reach through the foliage to the tubes without my having to bend down or struggle.
MICKIE
Unfortunately, I don't have that lush a garden...yet.
Currently I just have 3 boxes of lettuce, 1 of celery, 1/2 of green beans, and the canabalistic zukes.
It does hurt to bend down to remove the cover as well as to get the watering can's tube in the hole to reduce spilling water all over the place. But I only have the 6 boxes. So at the moment it's livable, though not ideal.
This is my first year with the boxes. At the time of initial setup, I was more concerned about reducing the skeeter population than the mechanics of watering. I guess I've been running on habit regarding watering and the covers.
This winter, when I have time to stop and reconsider some things, then I'll look for a can with a longer tube to reduce the bending, or figure out how to dramatically lengthen the hose and on/off setup, as well as keeping skeeter populations down without the on/off cover, heh. For now I'm just pulling in ideas to let stew in the back of my head for a while. Thank you for pointing out the value of the nylon netting.
Oh, I just reread what you were responding to. The knee-high idea was meant to be that the knee-highs would stay on during the season, but at end of season or end of year time, it would be easy to remove them, or if I had to remove them for some reason, that would be easy to do instead of having to pull the tube out of the box to remove something I've placed in the tube. Water should still be able to get through, maybe, and preferably without the buggies and sluggies. I'll find out tonight how the watering part works.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, MacSmiley. This user is located in Zone 4b in South Dakota. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
Knee-highs are too much of a bother for me. I've taken to using the new smaller caps from the Faultless Starch/Magic Sizing spray cans. Much easier on, much easier off.
They even come in different colors, too.
The caps have both an inner and an outer cap. The inner cap goes inside the fill tube and the outer part of the cap goes outside the fill tube. We've had some wildly windy weather in South Dakota, and but these guys hang on to the fill tube for dear life, despite not being a tight fit.
I like the darker green on the Magic Wrinkle Remover can, but I also have the bright green one from the "Extra Crisp" sizing shown below.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7, South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
Here's a thought... put the foot half of the knee-hi into the tube, and fold the upper half over the tube edges and tie it on. Now, you can water into the tube and the stocking will filter as you water while keeping out the skeeters.
Mickie
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, anndelise. This user is located in WA Zone 8 bordering on Zone 7. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7, South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
Here's a thought... put the foot half of the knee-hi into the tube, and fold the upper half over the tube edges and tie it on. Now, you can water into the tube and the stocking will filter as you water while keeping out the skeeters.
Mickie
That's my plan tonight.
Or some form of it, depending on how things go. Basically, having a portion of the stocking inside the tube but not the whole stocking.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist The EarthBox Hero Member, kathy. This user is located in the mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
I am not a domestic goddess by any means and laundry and ironing are both challenges to me.....but if I have 27 EB's how much starch is that for me......a lifetime, a couple of year's worth?
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, MacSmiley. This user is located in Zone 4b in South Dakota. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
I don't buy the start... oops... starch. (See?) I buy the sizing, and 9 times out of ten, just spray and hang instead of iron.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist The EarthBox Hero Member, kathy. This user is located in the mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
HMMMM I don't even know what sizing is......but if it would keep me from ironing.....I am all over it.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, MacSmiley. This user is located in Zone 4b in South Dakota. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
LOL! Sizing is kind of like starch, but isn't.
Here's what I found at Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sizing
You won't want to put sizing in your EarthBox, that's for sure.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, greenesmith. This user is located in Zone 6b NYC. This was originally posted on August 5, 2009.
I don't know, panty hose sound like a lot of work - and if you don't iron, like me, 1 1/2" expansion plugs go in and out and are pretty easy. And, I bet they cost same or less than those cans of spray starch.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, MacSmiley. This user is located in Zone 4b in South Dakota. This was originally posted on August 6, 2009.
The company makes a no-iron wrinkle remover spray with a green cap. At any rate, that's usually how I use Magic Sizing most of the time anyway. Spray and hang clothes. Harvest cap.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, grandmamac. This user is located in Zone 7 near Edinburgh, Scotland. This was originally posted on August 8, 2009.
I'm covering the filling tubes with the caps from small bottles of liquid washing detergent. They fit exactly and don't blow off in the wind.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, Texas.Micky. This user is located near Houston, TX Zone 8b - 9a. This was originally posted on August 10, 2009.
Before I stumbled across this I was sure that my tastiness to mosquitoes was the reason I never escaped without a new blemish. Apparently my DNA allows my skin to off gas more CO2 or some such and mosquitoes find me from miles away.
Anyway, I have been wondering about how those little not so darlings come from the direction of the boxes most times.
Grrrr, now I'll have to see about covering the in/out orifices.
I like the bronze/brass wool idea better than nylon or hose due to the fact that in the humidity and heat here the cloth-like material would encourage voracious mold.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, JB. This user is located in Springfield, VA z7 New AWS. This was originally posted on August 10, 2009.
I read a "did you know" type fact (published by researchers at a University in Sidney) that mosquitoes can smell (taste?!) their victims up to 30 miles away. I have to douse myself in spray before tending my boxes, even though I use the dunks!
JB
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7, South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on August 10, 2009.
I bought one of those OFF! clip-on motorized repellants, and guess what.... it works!. If you're not moving around a lot, it really does create a no-bite zone around you. Of course, it won't work if you're walking around from here to there, so fast the zone can't keep up with you. I found it very effective when I was in one spot, setting up my boxes this Spring/Summer.
Mickie
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist The EarthBox Hero Member, kathy. This user is located in the mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on August 10, 2009.
Ok Mickie, share which one did you use? Any idea of the brand, I tested them for a couple of years at my old job......but was never sure they worked?
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7, South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on August 10, 2009.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist The EarthBox Hero Member, kathy. This user is located in the mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on July 23, 2009.
Ok Mickie, share which one did you use? Any idea of the brand, I tested them for a couple of years at my old job......but was never sure they worked?
It's made by OFF!... I believe it's fairly new since this year they've been advertising on TV. It's operated by battery for the fan, and a cartridge fits inside. It has an indicator window to show when the cartridge needs to be replaced. One of the local TV stations did a "Deal or No-deal" product opinion test, and it was rated as Deal. One guy was a landscaper who says he won't work without it now.
I got the gizmo on sale for $10, and the refills run about $5 per 2-pack.
http://www.offprotects.com/clip-on-mosquito-repellent/
Mickie
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist The EarthBox Hero Member, kathy. This user is located in the mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on August 10, 2009.
Thanks...I did just look at this one, but didn't buy it. Now that I have done my annual blood donating allotment to the mosquito world. I can try new products.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, MacSmiley. This user is located in Zone 4b in South Dakota. This was originally posted on August 11, 2009.
The other day I purchased Germ-X Advanced Protection hand sanitizer.
After I started using the product, I noticed the size of the cap seemed vaguely familiar.
Yup. It fits.
So those who don't happen to iron or spray their clothing, you now have an alternative. If I bump into any other suitable caps out there, I'll let you know.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, barry34785. This was originally posted on August 13, 2009.
I haven't noticed any mosquitoes in my Eathboxes. I have an irrigation hose system hooked to all of them where I just turn the water on and wait until it flows out the drain holes. I can turn each one off so the water goes to the ones that need it most.
I have noticed fire ants living in the soil amongst the plant roots. Anybody know how to prevent this?
I live in central Florida.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, queensgrt. This user is located in Charlotte, NC Zone 7. This was originally posted on August 13, 2009.
The orange cap/lid from a Gatorade bottle is a good fit on the fill tube, that solves one mosquito entrance. I also plugged the overflow hole with a cork and drilled a new overflow hole in the side. This new hole, at the same level as the original, is closed with a cork. When I water I remove the cork until water comes out and then put it back. Now all access points for insects are effectively blocked and we've had no problem with mosquitoes in our EB's this year.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Jr. Member, MarysGarden. This user is located in Watervliet, NY(upstate) USA Zone 5. This was originally posted on August 17, 2009.
I use the plastic caps form gallon water or milk jugs...
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, MacSmiley. This user is located in Zone 4b in South Dakota. This was originally posted on August 18, 2009.
Are milk/water gallon caps are standardized throughout the nation? Do they sell milk with bigger caps in your area? Here, they are just small enough not to fit for me.
Large bottle drink caps do fit perfectly, as you say, but they are easily blown off their thrones with a good stiff wind... of which we have more than our fair share in South Dakota. That's why I thought of trying the longer seated caps on in the first place.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, spbmag1. This user is located in N. FL -- Central\Eastern Panhandle, Zone 8B. This was originally posted on March 28, 2010.
Thanks for the can top idea. I am a newbie (set my first EB up today) and was worried about mosquitoes. I immediately went to the laundry room and found a laundry detergent bottle cap that fits perfectly (tin foil is now on the laundry bottle). I still plan to get some of the tablets tomorrow though -- I hate mosquitoes!!
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, RWF. This user is located on March 29, 2010.
Use a stainless steel wool scrubby or some other kitchen scrubby stuffed into your fill tube. I use this method as a water filter for my water level irrigation system. View at: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1614901061&ref=profile#!/album.php?aid=30489&id=1614901061
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, Lundy. This was originally posted on April 21, 2010.
Yes we have mosquitoes in Tucson but the earthboxes dry out so quickly that they don't get started. I have to water at least twice a day to keep the boxes going during summer. I wish the reservoirs were twice to thrice bigger.
The mosquitoes dunks have worked well in other drip trays and in the really big dog bowl.
The irrigation system suggested for the system worries me. If you keep water inside a black irrigation tubing in the sun by the time it is emitted into the earthbox it will be scalding.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, MamaKat. This user is located in Prescott Valley, AZ Zone 7. This was originally posted on April 22, 2010.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, Lundy. This was originally posted on April 21, 2010.
Yes we have mosquitoes in Tucson
Lundy - good to see another Arizonian! Welcome!
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, GardenGuru505. This was originally posted on April 22, 2010.
Mosquito Dunks work great in my EarthBoxes. So do Mosquito Bits, which contain the same active ingredient in a granular form, so you just pour a little into the fill tube. Mosquito Dunks and Mosquito Bits are available online at www.naturehills.com.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, PeteFrame. This was originally posted on May 10, 2010.
Be like me and build your own cheap organic mosquito trap to put next to the Earthbox. I followed this guy's instructions.
http://www.instructables.com/id/MOSQUITO-KILLER-TRAP/
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, johnthomasc3. This user is located in Chapin, SC - Zone 7. This was originally posted on May 13, 2010.
I thought I would weigh in after reading this thread. I never thought about mosquitoes until reading this, but that might explain why the mosquitoes have been worse lately. I try to go around the yard and make sure there is no standing water but Earthboxes just never registered.
I found the perfect cap for an Earthbox that has no water system. I have a picture attached so you can see everything I am talking about. I used an eleven ounce can of Tresemme Hair Spray. What makes it perfect is it has an inner core that fits snuggly into the tube, while the outer cap acts as a hood. It is black so the color is good for most boxes as the tubes are black.
Now, for the Earthboxes with watering systems. Take a plastic garbage bag. I have used a white bag because it shows up in the picture. Black is probably the best choice since you won't see it very well. Wrap the plastic around the old fill tube and take a razor blade or large scissors and cut down about an inch or two around the tube. This will make a circle of plastic about 2 to 3 inches. The stretchy bags work great. Then take a pencil or pen and poke a hole into the center. Take the tube off the inside of the sensor and stretch the plastic over the clear tube. Now reattach the sensor into the Earthbox and mosquitoes can't get in.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Jr. Member, Beth11. This user is located in Zone 7, Southern Maryland. This was originally posted on May 25, 2010.
Hi All,
Will the mosquito dunks interfere with the AWS valves?
Thanks,
Beth
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Guest, cushman350. This was originally posted on May 25, 2010.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Jr. Member, Beth11. This user is located in Zone 7, Southern Maryland. This was originally posted on May 25, 2010.
Hi All,
Will the mosquito dunks interfere with the AWS valves?
Thanks,
Beth
I think people break them up and no it won't bother the AWS.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, mike556. This was originally posted on June 4, 2010.
I just took some screen door material and taped it over the drain hole and use just a plain golf ball for the fill tubes and skeeters don't have a happy home here
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7, South NJ, Garden State.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Guest, cushman350. This was originally posted on May 25, 2010.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Jr. Member, Beth11. This user is located in Zone 7, Southern Maryland. This was originally posted on May 25, 2010.
Hi All,
Will the mosquito dunks interfere with the AWS valves?
Stuff a small amount of tulle netting into the tube around the AWS sensor. Nothing will get in. This will eliminate the need for Mosquito Dunks or Bits.
Mickie
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7, South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on June 26, 2012.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, mike556. This was originally posted on June 4, 2010.
I just took some screen door material and taped it over the drain hole and use just a plain golf ball for the fill tubes and skeeters don't have a happy home here
According to Kathy, the overflow will not attract mosquitoes. Covering with screen or anything else creates the potential for blockage and flooding the box. Decomposing roots often flush out and can definitely create a blockage.
Mickie
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, rpr. This user is located on April 15, 2013.
I was curious if there could be any problem using Mosquito Dunks or Bits in the Earthbox, so contacted the manufacturer. I was also curious if using them is organic or not.
The company's reply: "Yes, the Mosquito Dunks or the Mosquito Bits would be safe to use in the
reservoirs to water the plants. It would not affect or get into the plant.
Mosquito Dunks not Bits are registered for use in organic production."
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, lalady. This was originally posted on June 5, 2013.
I'm wondering if anyone has tried planting citronella or lavender around their EarthBoxes? Catnip even? I'm interested to see if they'd put up with those plants in exchange for the EarthBox reservoir.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, baileyj. This user is located in Zone 7A---Annapolis, Maryland. This was originally posted on June 5, 2013.
"I'm interested to see if they'd put up with those plants in exchange for the EarthBox reservoir"
Lalady,
I am not sure what you mean by that statement Huh? Are you suggesting eliminating use of the reservoir ? It is a basic EB concept....
How would those plants exchange for the EB reservoir?
Judi
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, morganmac. This user is located in NW Georgia, Zine 7b. This was originally posted on June 6, 2013.
I think she's saying those plants are supposedly mosquito repellent, and perhaps the mosquitoes wouldn't find the reservoir as tempting if those plants were around.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, linear249. This user is located in Zone 8b. This was originally posted on June 30, 2014.
I put knee high stockings on the watering tube and used a ponytail holder to keep it in place. I also have some of the plastic dish scrubbers stuffed in the drain hole. I also put in the mosquito bits. Still have some, but very few.
Aline
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7, South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on July 1, 2014.
Mosquitoes will not lay eggs unless they see water. This means two things:
1- They will not enter the overflow hole. In fact, blocking this with anything runs the risk of it clogging and backing the water up into the media. There's potting mix and roots in the reservoir (and Mosquito Bits), and they can and will cause a clog.
2- Having any depression on the cover that can collect water will allow egg-laying. Those buggers can lay eggs in a thimble. That and the fill tube are the greatest concern.
Aline's idea of using a knee high over the tube is great... I've been using squares of tulle held on with the velcro tie 'belts'. I think some knee highs are in my future.
So... make sure your box is domed and there's no standing puddles, toss in a few Bits, and try the stocking idea for the fill tube.
Mickie
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, Becca08. This user is located in Zone 5A. This was originally posted on July 6, 2014.
Seems like a lot of responses on this thread... But I can add my solution in. My son has this weird habit of collecting golf balls that are at least halfway stuck in the dirt when he sees them. I took some of those golf balls and I put one on the top of the fill tube. They are heavy enough to stay put during most storms and as other posters have mentioned, this is the main source of mosquitoes in my EB. since I started this, I've had very few mosquitoes around my EBs.
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Check out this safe and non-toxic mosquito trap! All you need to do is add water!
https://stuckbrands.com/
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why don't you just glue some window screen over the drain hole and the fill hole. seems easy to me