Are Mosquito Dunks Safe for Dogs?

What are mosquito Dunks?

Mosquito dunks are donut shaped products that are made for controlling mosquito population by killing mosquito larvae in standing water sources like, ponds, water features and fountains, water/septic tanks, etc. These mosquito dunks contains a naturally occurring bacterium called BTI (Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis).

When these dunks are added to water they slowly release BTI which affects the mosquito larvae’s biological growth process called molting. As a result, the mosquito larvae die after consuming these bacterium.

Myths about mosquito dunks

There are many misconceptions about the usage of mosquito dunks, and their safety around pets. These should be cleared as mosquito dunks are very useful and effective in preventing mosquito bites and mosquito borne diseases.

Myth #1. Mosquito dunks contain harmful chemicals

Many people believed and trust on rumours that these mosquito dunks or bits contain strong insecticides and pesticides and they will harm their pets. But this is not at all true. Mosquito dunks are safe to use around pets, birds and kids. Even the dogs eat the mosquito dunk they wont be affected in any way, on the contrary it will be protein and calcium dose for them.

Myth #2. Mosquito dunks are harmful for fish and aquatic life and other animals

Mosquito birds contain bacterium that acts only on the gut cells of mosquito larvae. They do not harm any other wildlife or animals, pets around. They do not pose any kind of risk to our surrounding.

Myth #3. Dogs and pets will get sick if they drink water treated with mosquito dunks

Water treated with mosquito dunks are not harmful for dogs and pets. The mosquito dunks are not toxic and have no adverse effect if your dog drinks water treated from these dunks.

Mosquito Dunks in use
Mosquito Dunks in use
Image Credit: eBay

Are mosquito dunks safe for dogs?

Yes, absolutely safe for dogs and birds, and all pets. These mosquito dunks are so designed that its main component, the BTI bacterium attacks specifically the mosquito larvae. It has been researched well and tested for any adverse effects on animals, fish and aquatic animals, wildlife, pets and birds, even insects like bees.

How mosquito dunks work?

These mosquito dunks contains bacterium called as BTI, which acts as a toxin to mosquito larvae and targets specifically their gut cells. This damages their digestive system and they can’t process food, as a result they die soon.

These BTI bacterium are very specific in their action. They target only particular species which includes mosquitoes and some flies, while all the other wildlife, aquatic life, pets and animals, birds, and other insects as well, left unharmed.

Alternative to mosquito dunks for pet owners

  • Mosquito repellent plants:
  • Mosquito traps:
  • Mosquito nets and screens:
  • Fire pits:
  • Avoid mosquito breeding zone and infestation:

Benefits of using mosquito dunks

1. Environmentally friendly:

They do not harm other aquatic life, animals and birds and do not affect the eco system in any way. They do not cause any kind of pollution or affect environment in any way.

2. Reliable and effective:

These mosquito dunks are quiet specific in their action and very effective in killing mosquito larvae. They give complete protection by breaking the mosquito life cycle and preventing any further breeding.

3. Long lasting protection:

They provides a long 30 days of protection from mosquito larvae in single use. No need to bother after adding mosquito dunks in your pond or water features.

4. Easy to Use:

Just place or drop them in any mosquito breeding zone like pond or water features, septic tanks, or any standing water. And they will give an effortless protection from mosquito breeding and infestation, which helps in keeping your garden and yard mosquito free.

Conclusion

Mosquito dunks are most effective in controlling mosquito populations in your surroundings like garden, backyard, or lawn. They are also safe as they do not contain any harmful chemicals. These are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

However, you may take certain basic precautions and keep it beyond the reach of dogs and pets. The use of mosquito dunks give you more confidence in enjoying your outdoor life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Are mosquito dunks non toxic?

    Yes, the mosquito dunks are non toxic as they are made of BTI which is a naturally occurring bacterium. They do not contain any harmful chemicals or insecticides, and are safe for use around pets, animals and birds.

  2. Is Mosquito Dunk safe for pets?

    Mosquito dunks are completely safe and non toxic for pets. They act specifically on mosquito larvae and leaving the other pets, animals, birds and insects, unharmed.

  3. Are mosquito bits and dunks the same?

    No they are different. Mosquito bits are generally used for killing mosquito larvae in short span of time around 24 hrs. While mosquito dunks are designed for slow and gradual killing of mosquito larvae which takes a longer time. But, these bits do no lasts long.

  4. Are mosquito bits harmful to dogs?

    NO. the mosquito dunks and bits contains the same component, BTI bacterium that is not harmful and generally safe for animals and birds.

  5. Are Mosquito dunks safe for birds?

    Yes, mosquito dunks are completely safe for birds as well as all other animals and insects around. There’s no harm to any birds or animals or environment.

About Raashid Ansari

Raashid Ansari, a thoughtful writer that finds joy in sharing knowledge, tips and experiences on various helpful topics around nature, wildlife, as well as business. He has a deep connection with nature that often reflects in his work. Whether he's writing about recycling or the wonders of nature or any health topic, Raashid Ansari aims to inspire and educate through his words. "Find him on LinkedIn and Facebook"

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