How to Keep Mosquitoes Out of Bird Bath?

Introduction

Bird baths are not only a lifeline for birds but is very helpful for us as well. Many birds like hummingbirds, bluebirds, swallows, robins, finches, wrens, etc. which are known for eating pests, mainly mosquitoes aka mosquito predators, also supports pollination. Thus, these birds preserve the natural eco system and bio diversity in your surroundings.

But these bird baths can become a source of nuisance by attracting mosquitoes who prefer damp moist, warm standing water sources for laying eggs and continue breeding. We will discuss some measures on how to keep mosquitoes out of bird bath, without harming birds.

Why mosquitoes breed in bird baths?

Female mosquitoes are attracted to standing water to lay eggs and carry out breeding. The bird bath is the perfect spot for mosquito breeding with standing water kept in open without any restriction. As there is minimum to no maintenance, and its often abandoned without any care.

Therefore, the bird baths which are untreated or unchanged and not maintained for a long time can easily turn into a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Such places are easily invaded by mosquitoes for breeding. The eggs are not visible but when hatched into mosquito larvae, we can see small tiny wriggling creatures with a side-to-side motion near the water surface.

These larvae are harmless to birds, humans and animals but when mature into an adult mosquito, they can transmit various diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, zika virus, etc. and cause many nuisance to our daily life and routine.

Measures to keep mosquitoes out of bird bath without harming birds

The following are the effective measures that one can take to eliminate mosquitoes out of bird bath, without harming any bird:

1. Clean the bird bath and change water frequently

Clean the bird bath regularly at least once in a week, to wash off any invisible mosquito eggs that may hatch later. Change the water frequently every 2 to 3 days, this will prevent algae growth and other organic matter that mosquito larvae generally feed on.

2. Use mosquito dunks

Mosquito dunks, which are natural larvicides made using naturally occurring bacterium called BTI (Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis) kills mosquito larvae by degrading the larvae’s cellular structure. They target the inner gut lining of mosquito larvae and disrupts their digestion and metabolic activities, because of which they cannot survive any longer and die soon. These mosquito dunks are safe for birds, aquatic plants and animals. They also do not harm other useful insects.

As per the size of bird bath and the amount of water it holds, you will require just a small piece of mosquito dunk every month, which is quiet cost effective.

3. Add mosquito-larvae eating fish to bird baths

The mosquito hunting fish specially the mosquitofish, goldfish and guppies are very effective in eating mosquito larvae. But due to the size and space constraints it is not possible to add these mosquito predating fish in birdbath.

However, if the size of the birdbath is large enough, where the fish and birds can accommodate easily, than you can consider adding these fish to the birdbath.

These mosquito eating fish are very much suitable for large water bodies like ponds, fountains, water features, etc. and they do extremely well in controlling mosquito populations.

4. Place or grow mosquito repelling plants in the surrounding

One of the best and natural method to keep mosquitoes out of bird bath is to surround it with mosquito repelling plants, like lemon grass, lavender, catnip, sage, lemon thyme, eucalyptus, etc. These plants will create a mosquito barrier around it and give a long lasting protection from mosquitoes.

5. Install water aerator

Installing water aerators will create movement in water, in form of ripples and bubbles. In presence of any movement mosquito will never come close to the water body. Even if they lay eggs, the movements in water will not allow the eggs to hatch.

Aerators and aquarium pumps are very useful in creating a continuous movement in water, that will keep the mosquitoes out of bird bath. Even if mosquitoes lay eggs, the larvae cannot survive in continuously moving water.

6. Install mosquito traps and ultrasonic repellers

The last safe resort is to install mosquito traps like UV or sticky tapes. Nowadays, ultrasonic repellers are available in market that creates a sound at particular frequency that affects the insects but not humans, birds or animals.

The above given measures are most practical and safe for birds that you can follow, to keep mosquitoes out of bird baths.

Effective tips on how to keep mosquitoes out of bird bath

• Change water every 2 to 3 days.
• Clean bird bath every week to avoid algae growth.
• Don’t add vinegar directly to the birdbath, as this will lower the pH of water and may harm the respiratory and digestive system of birds.
• Never add dish soap in bird bath as this will dissolve and remove the oil and wax from the bird’s feathers. The hydrophobicity will get lost and this will affect the waterproofing capability of these birds.
• Many essential oils can cause respiratory and digestive issues with skin related ailments, and hence not safe for pets, animals and birds. Even though these oils are natural, don’t add directly in bird bath or bird waterer.

Conclusion

Any source of stagnant water will invite mosquitoes to breed and spread mosquito borne-diseases. Bird bath is not an exception, and it is the most under rated mosquito breeding and infesting site. Bird baths should never be ignored, and must be cleaned and maintained from time to time.

Grow some natural mosquito repellent plants like citronella, lavender, catnip, thyme, etc. that will keep mosquitoes coming near the bird bath and prevent laying any eggs. Preventing mosquitoes from laying of any eggs by adding small aerators inside birdbath will also create continuous movements, ripples and bubbles in water. These movement will keep mosquitoes away from bird bath.

Regular cleaning and maintenance, and daily refilling of bird baths with fresh water will keep mosquitoes out of bird bath. This will keep our surrounding free of mosquito infestation and any breeding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)