Earthbox Mosquitoes? Drat!!

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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?

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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!

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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).

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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!

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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?

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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).

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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!

[EarthBoxAdmin]

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.