Warm, wet weather means mosquitoes, but broadcast spraying of pesticides can put all pollinators - not just mosquitoes - at risk. Many birds rely on insects for food, and insect pollinators are essential to vast quantities of food crops and flowering plants throughout the world.
Luckily, natural home mosquito control is safe and simple. Mosquitoes breed in still water, so be vigilant about emptying any containers with standing water every few days. Change and clean bird baths every 2-3 days.
For more active control, build a home mosquito trap. Start by filling a bucket halfway with water. Drop in the recommended amount of “Bti” (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, a commercially available, natural bacteria toxic only to mosquitoes, biting flies, and some gnats), then add handfuls of straw or grass clippings. This watery “stew” will attract female mosquitoes to lay their eggs. If desired, drill a hole in the top quadrant of the bucket to release overflow in case of heavy rain. Finish your trap by slanting a board from the inside bottom of the bucket to the top so any hapless critters that fall in can escape.
Empty and rinse your mosquito trap every 30 days. This trap will also work without Bti but must then be emptied and refilled every three days. Whichever version you choose, birds and other pollinators will thank you!
The Allen Bird Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing Greater Springfield area birders together since 1912. For more information, please visit www.AllenBirdClub.org.
Natural mosquito repellents, like essential oils, reduce harmful chemicals, creating a safer environment for birds. By minimizing mosquito populations, they enhance bird presence, supporting biodiversity and ecological balance in habitats.