What Is The 'Bucket Of Doom' Method For Repelling Mosquitoes?

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Mosquitoes are annoying pests that inhabit virtually every region of our planet. In some places, these biting insects can even be deadly because of the bloodborne diseases they spread. They're a particular problem in the summer, when heat and humidity draw them out. Many people just accept these airborne invaders or rely on ad hoc solutions like bug sprays or natural mosquito repellents. But you might have seen another solution floating around online lately: the aptly nicknamed "bucket of doom."

The "bucket of doom" is a trap that kills mosquito larvae before they grow into blood-sucking adults. To make one, fill a bucket with water, add some plant matter (such as grass clippings or leaves), and let it sit for a few days. Then add a larvicide known as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) to the mix. The grass and water in the bucket will attract egg-laying mosquitoes, but the larvicide can prevent the larvae that hatch from those eggs from growing large enough to sprout wings and start biting. However, there's one major caveat with using a "bucket of doom" to get rid of mosquitoes. Here's what you need to know.

The idea behind the "bucket of doom" is the same as with many pest control solutions: Kill the eggs or offspring, and the pests won't multiply. This is a highly effective tactic for keeping mosquito numbers down, and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis is very good at killing their larvae. Standing water mixed with organic plant matter creates an attractive environment for mosquitoes to lay eggs. The Bti then kills the larvae after they hatch. It's simple, but it works.

You can easily find Bti larvicide online. These Summit Mosquito Dunks are readily available and easy to use. You don't need to use a whole puck in your "bucket of doom," either, so a pack of six should last a while. For a 5-gallon bucket, you can break a single puck into quarters, drop one piece into the water trap, and then let it do its thing. Consider placing a perforated cover on the bucket, or a large stick in the water, so that the trap won't be deadly to small animals.

An important caveat with a mosquito bucket trap is that, while it can cull mosquito numbers, it doesn't repel them. In fact, your "bucket of doom" may actually attract mosquitoes to your yard because standing water is an inviting place for them to lay their eggs. The trap controls mosquito populations by killing their larvae and disrupting their breeding cycle through attrition, not by repelling them. For the best results, consider using a "bucket of doom" along with other ways to keep mosquitoes away from your home.