Easy-to-Make Mosquito Trap Water Gardens
Updated September 2020.
The safest and best way to prevent mosquitos from wreaking havoc on your outdoor activities is to prevent them from being alive. Mosquitos lay their eggs in sources of standing water. By placing Mosquito Dunks or Bits in standing water sources you can effectively kill their larvae and therefore reduce the mosquito population. Mosquito Dunks and Bits work by dissolving over time and emitting a bacteria into the standing water source that kills the mosquito larvae. While the bacteria eliminates the mosquito larvae, it is not harmful to pets, humans, birds or pollinators. You can even use them safely in bird baths.
You can easily create a beautiful water garden display with Mosquito Dunks or Bits. Simply select a vessel, fill it with water, pour in your Mosquito Bits and keep the surface at least 50% exposed to give the mosquitos a place to lay their eggs. Follow the package directions on the amount to apply based the size of the vessel you select. Mosquito Dunks are best for large containers while the Bits are better suited to smaller spaces. The Mosquito Bits will sink down to the bottom of the vessel and gradually disintegrate. We recommend adding more every two to three weeks.
With this approach you can keep your yard chemical free and still reduce these unwanted pests!
Mosquito Trap Inspiration
Here are some samples I’ve created at the garden center. You can use many types of plants or flowers, just check with our plant specialists if you will be submerging the whole plant to make sure it can grow in water!
Blue and White Vessel with Water Hyacinth and Lace
This sample combines a classic blue and white container with water hyacinth and lace. An opaque vessel is a perfect option for people looking for a larger or longer-term mosquito trap, since the water clarity is not as important.
Glass Dish with Fresh Flowers
This version of our mosquito trap would be perfect with a floating tea light at a summer party. Snip fresh blooms every few days to keep the color fresh and vibrant!
Water Hyacinth in Glass Container
This beautiful container shows off the purple roots of this water hyacinth. If you want to display plants with an interesting root structure, this tall glass container is a great way to do it while still creating an excellent trap.