In many areas mosquitoes are a problem and we always need to make sure there is no standing water for them to breed. A bird bath containing shallow, still water provides an ideal breeding place. So what can we do to provide clean fresh water for the birds but prevent these insects from laying their eggs? There are three solutions to this problem including agitating the water by using a fountain bird bath, using a water wiggler or adding mosquito dunks to your bird bath.
Solar or Electric Powered Fountain Birdbaths
This is probably the best long-term solution to this problem as once you have set up your bird bath the water will be kept warm and agitated throughout the year. Solar powered bird baths are ideal, although slightly more expensive, as they do not need a source of electricity, are cheaper to run and if you choose one with the solar panels incorporated into the base you can place it anywhere in the garden. Electric powered fountain birdbaths either use batteries or an electric cord plugged into a power outlet. The electric cord will obviously restrict the positioning of the bird bath and should be buried beneath the soil to prevent it being a hazard to children and animals. Battery powered fountain bird baths can be used but the batteries will need to be changed regularly.
Water Wigglers
water wigglers are inexpensive and will keep the water agitated to prevent mosquitoes from settling on the surface. The batteries will need to be changed regularly but you only need to use them during the mosquito breeding season. They are easy to add to an existing bird bath, just clip them onto the side of the bath, add the batteries and turn them on. They produce vibrations in the water that cause ripples. This will prevent mosquitoes using the water to lay their eggs and is also attractive to the birds. They are very quiet in operation so they will not scare off the birds or disturb the quiet in your garden.
Mosquito Dunks
Mosquito dunks can be used in the bird bath and also in any other containers of still water around your garden such as water barrels, ponds, gutters and unused swimming pools. They are a natural, chemical free method that works by killing the mosquito larvae before they can mature. They should be placed in the bird bath once a month. One dunk will treat 100 square feet of water so you will not need a whole dunk in your small bird bath. You can break off small pieces to add and keep the rest for later.
Conclusion
Living in a mosquito infested area you will want to make sure you are not encouraging their breeding. By keeping the water in your bird bath agitated by either using a fountain bird bath or water wiggler or by using mosquito dunks regularly you can be sure that the mosquitoes will not use your bird bath as a breeding place.
Author Resource:-
For more information on attracting birds to your garden and some good deals on solar bird baths check out Garden Bird Baths or Water Wigglers
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