Mosquito Bits Tea is a biological preparation used to manage common household and garden pests. It is created by soaking granular Mosquito Bits in water, forming a liquid solution that targets the larval stage of specific insects. This tea is effective for controlling fungus gnat infestations in potted plants and eliminating mosquito larvae in standing water sources. The solution allows the active agent to be easily applied to soil or water, offering a non-chemical alternative for pest management.
Understanding Mosquito Bits and Bti
Mosquito Bits are small, corn cob granules infused with a naturally occurring microorganism. The active ingredient is a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Bti is found naturally in soil and is classified as a microbial insecticide because it is highly selective in the organisms it affects.
The mechanism of action begins when the larvae of certain fly species, such as mosquitoes and fungus gnats, ingest the Bti spores. Once consumed, the bacterium releases protein toxins within the larval digestive tract. These toxins disrupt the gut lining, causing the larvae to stop feeding and perish, usually within 24 hours.
A primary benefit of this biological control is its narrow target range. Bti is harmless to people, pets, birds, fish, and beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. This species-specificity makes the tea a safe treatment option for indoor plants and outdoor water features.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Making Mosquito Bits Tea involves steeping the granules in water to extract the Bti spores into a liquid form. Begin by selecting a clean, non-metallic container large enough for the desired volume of water. Use cold or lukewarm water, as hot temperatures can destroy the bacterial spores and reduce effectiveness.
A common concentration is four tablespoons of Mosquito Bits per one gallon of water. For a smaller batch, a ratio of one teaspoon of bits per one liter of water is effective. Place the measured granules directly into the water, or for easier cleanup, use a fine mesh bag or nylon stocking to contain the bits while they soak.
Allow the mixture to steep for a minimum of 30 minutes to ensure the Bti is released into the water. For maximum potency, the mixture can sit for up to 24 hours at room temperature. After steeping, the liquid must be strained to remove the solid granules, which can otherwise clog watering cans or soil pores.
The simplest straining method uses a fine sieve or a piece of cheesecloth to separate the liquid tea from the corn cob bits. Once strained, the prepared solution is ready for immediate application. The remaining solid granules can be safely discarded or composted.
Application and Usage Guidelines
The primary use for the finished Mosquito Bits Tea is to treat soil against fungus gnat larvae in houseplants and container gardens. To address these pests, the strained tea should be applied as a complete soil drench. Water the plant thoroughly with the Bti solution until it runs out of the drainage holes, ensuring the top two inches of soil, where gnat larvae reside, are saturated.
For mosquito control, the tea is poured directly into standing water sources where larvae are present, such as bird baths, saucers, rain barrels, or ornamental ponds. The Bti solution disperses throughout the water, and the mosquito larvae ingest the bacterium as they feed.
To break the fungus gnat life cycle, which can last several weeks, the soil treatment should be repeated regularly. Apply the tea once every seven to ten days for a total of three consecutive applications. This schedule ensures that newly hatched larvae are treated before they mature into egg-laying adults.
The prepared Bti solution remains effective for a limited time after straining. It is recommended to use the entire batch within 48 hours, as the bacterial spores will begin to degrade once suspended in water. Any unused solution should be disposed of, and a fresh batch should be prepared for subsequent treatments.