What are mosquito Dunks?
Mosquito dunks are very convenient for getting rid of mosquitoes. These are donut shaped products that are employed for the destruction of mosquito larvae as a means of suppression of their populations. There are multiple standing sources of water more like ponds and fountains, water tanks which can be large or small in size etc. For water bodies such as above sources, mosquito dunks already contain a pelleted product called Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI).
As for the mosquitoes, when larvae consume BTI, it alters their biological growth process called molting. Because of this, the larvae of the mosquitoes perish after eating these bacteria. In simple terms, it reduces the chances of mosquito reproduction as well the chances of their livelihood consumption.
Myths about mosquito dunks
Despite their beneficial uses and the potential to be effective in avoiding mosquito bites, misconceptions for mosquito dunks still exist. In order to tackle these one must possess the appropriate information.
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.
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 provide an easy and passive solution to the control of mosquito breeding and infestation which in return assists to maintain a mosquito free garden and yard.
Conclusion
The mosquito dunk is a great tool for controlling mosquito populations around the garden, around the house’s backyard and other regions around the house such as the landscape. They are also non- toxic in that they are free of any dangerous chemicals. These do not pose any risk to the environment and are non-toxic.
Though simple precautions should indeed be taken so as to keep it out of reach of dogs and pets. These precautionary measures in conjunction with the use of mosquito dunks place you in a position whereby you feel more comfortable whenever you are outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Are mosquito dunks non toxic?
Absolutely yes, mosquito dunks expand their reach without toxicity in them because of the active ingredients BTI which is a naturally occurring bacterium. Such mosquito dunks pose no harmful effects as those who use insecticides do and there are no threats to pet animals, birds, and other animals around.
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Is Mosquito Dunk safe for pets?
Yes as they do not contain toxins and do not pose threat either these dunks include use with mosquitoes because it only targets their larvae making the haze of the pregnant mosquito or other animals or birds free.
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Are mosquito bits and dunks the same?
No they are different. Mosquito bits are used for quick elimination of mosquito larvae and take around 24 hours to kill. On the other hand, mosquito dunks are manufactured specifically for time release capabilities for killing the mosquito larvae which takes longer time. Well, these bits do not last very long though.
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Are Mosquito dunks safe for birds?
Indeed, mosquito dunks pose no threat to birds and other surrounding animals and insects. No birds, no animals and no environment is harmed.
