How to Use Mosquito Bits for Potted Plants​?

The use of mosquito bits is recommended once every 7 to 14 days depending in the seriousness of the gnat infestation in the house. It may be recommended that for the initial uses, the application be made weekly so that the active Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) is able to kill the larvae. Once there is reduction noticeable reduction in the gnat population, the application frequency can be increased to once every two weeks.

Continuous application aids in ensuring that a barrier exists against the new larvae from being able to grow and especially in areas that are prone to the breeding of gnats due to the high moisture present.

Most types of houseplants can be treated with mosquito bits as they tend to be effective against potted plants that are susceptible to pests like hawaiian fungus gnats. More specifically, mosquito bits contain BTI, that protects orchid plants and a wide variety of other moisture infatuated plants from their larvae. However, the moisture sensitive plants can be over-watered, which makes them more susceptible to pests. This makes it a wise decision to avoid applying this specific treatment on plants with sensitive moisture requirements.

On a final note, even though mosquito bites can work against certain pests, it is still advisable to monitor the condition of the plants after the application.

A number of forms of house plants, when treated with mosquito bits, are not expected to be impacted negatively, however it is always recommended to use them as prescribed. With that being said, there are pests and diseases that can harm the plant life in case the soil is flooding because of excessive watering or application of bits, however BTI, which is found in mosquito bits, is non- toxic to humans and animals.

But inhalation or exposure to certain conditions, such as high concentration of BTI, may affect beneficial insects. Now, in these such scenarios, it is perhaps best to apply the bits sparingly and watch out for any negative impact on the plant.

As per the general observations of different users of the product, there is a noticeable reduction in the fungus gnat larvae population within a few days after applying the mosquito bits. It is established that the mosquito bits have BTI bacteria which takes 3-7 days to build colonies in the soil and then the larvae. Fungus gnats have a life cycle of around 14 to 21 days so it is also recommended to apply these products on regular basis to control and manage their population over the longer period of time.

Applying these mosquito bits in conjunction with sticky traps is also helpful in capturing flying adults while they focus on killing the larvae. Doing this will help in getting rid of mature gnats quickly.

Mosquito bits can be applied most of the time in combination with any type of soil treatment or fertilizer, but precaution is required. It is advisable to steer clear of combinations with chemical pesticides or substances that could be detrimental to beneficial organisms in the soil. In instances where mosquito bits are used together with fertilizers, ensure that they are acceptable for use together and that the total moisture in the soil is appropriate.

Instead of mixing mosquito bits directly into fertilizers, it is more effective to use them by adding them in the watering routine afterwards. This allows for more effective targeting of each treatment’s effectiveness.

To prepare mosquito bits for application on plants, the best known technique is to make a concentrated suspension or solution often referred to as ‘mozzie tea’. So, 1-2 tablespoons of mosquito bits are soaked in 1 gallon of water for 24 to 48 hours. This allows the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI), that is already present in the bits to dissolve and activate in the water. After soaking, pour the liquid into a watering bottle and proceed to applying it to your plants.

This method is much better as it applies the useful bacteria directly to the soil where the larvae of fungus gnat live. This places it in a better position to be more effective than just sprinkling the bits on the surface of the soil.

Absolutely, many Mosquito bits alternative do exist. One widely known product is Gnatrol, which is used to combat gnat infestations and which, like bits, contains BTI. Yellow sticky traps can also prove helpful, which capture adult gnats and assist in breaking the reproduction cycle, as well as diatomaceous earth which, when sprinkled onto the soil, can kill gnat larvae through dehydration. Moreover, biological control can be achieved by applying beneficial nematodes to the soil, which are known predators of gnat larvae. Each strategy has certain benefits and, in most cases, a combination of therapies is considered to work best.

Both Gnatrol and Mosquito bits share Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) as the main ingredient hence the two are very good in controlling fungus gnat larvae. Nevertheless, Gnatrol is sometimes promoted as stronger formulation designed for gnat invasion only which makes in certain circumstances more useful. While mosquito bits are made for several environments such as standing water and potted plants, Gnatrol is more in soil drench or hydroponics. The selection between them might be determined by some gardening factors like the kind of plant or the extent of infestation.

Combining miscellaneous pest control methods with mosquito bits is effective. For instance, integrating the two with yellow sticky traps allows for controlling larvae and adult fungus gnats at the same time. They can also be integrated as part of the over all management plan that incorporates more cultural techniques such as reducing excessive watering and enhancing drainage in pots.

Nevertheless, precautions must be taken to avoid making mosquito bits and chemical pesticides that may cause harm to friendly organisms or would reduce their efficiency directly. Rather, it is preferable to apply them separately during different watering routines.

The decrease in numbers of the adult fungus gnats which hover around the plants and their larvae in the soil post application of mosquito bits is a clear indicator of the effectiveness of the latter. Mosquito bits have a great working mechanism; within a week or two of their application, the level of adult gnats would drop significantly due to the larvae getting exterminated causing the life cycle to weaken. Moreover, a reduction in the movement of the gnats on the topmost layer of the soil as well as fewer gnat larvae along the surface of the soil further substantiates the assumption.

Mosquito bits can last for an indefinite period, however when exposed to high humidity, heat, and/or temperatures above 100°F, their lifespan gradually diminishes. The only prerequisites are that they have to be stored in a dry place free from direct sunlight and heat. On the other hand, if they managed to meet all the requirements concerning the application and storage, the possibility of losing their efficacy is not a concern.

Mosquito bits are perfectly safe for pets to be around, nonetheless there are certain concerns and precautions to take in regards to the ingestion of these bits, since they were designed for eliminating pests and not for consumption. Removing access to pets and applying it in places which is out of reach of pets can limit the risks. Also, monitoring the pets after the use of one would be deemed wise. Therefore, if all these applications go accordingly, the risk factor minimizes greatly.

It is recommended to apply mosquito bits within an interval of one to two weeks so as to enhance the effective treatment against any form of gnat fungus infection that may occur in the soil within that period. If there is a sizable population of larvae or organic matter present in the soil, then the application should be done weekly to control the presence of gnats. If the gnat presence is moderate, then the time for application can be extended to two weeks.

Checking the success rate of the treatment is very important, for instance if there is a comeback of fungus gnats within three weeks, then the treatment should be focused on again so as to effectively manage any further complaints of the gnat fungus whilst avoiding the life cycle expansion of the ones who already conquered.

In order to ascertain whether the right rates of application are employed, one ought to utilize the application rates that are suggested for the specific area that has to be treated. For instance, managing the larvae of fungus gnats entails the usage of 4 tablespoons of Mosquito Bits for every 1 gallon of water. On the other hand, if they are used on standing water; then, 1 teaspoon for 25 square feet of water surface would be the correct dosage while for some sources 1 Tablespoon for 75 square feet would be sufficient.

It is important to stress that these ratios are effective only if the particular surface area is measured accurately allowing for the coverage to be effective. Furthermore, checking the results after applying the measure could also assist in your cause to an extent; for instance where there are reductions in gnat and larvae activity one is likely to be using the right parameters. Where problems still persist consider intensifying applications or look through the guidelines of the product for the specific ratios relevant for your circumstance.