A question about rain barrel water stagnation and misquitos...

[Javaman]

Okay, given that algae will form in stagnant water and that those little buggers mosquitoes also form in still water, if the water is constantly moving, would that prevent or at least delay the formation of algae and prevent the breeding of mosquitoes?

Thanks in advance.

[Warpy]

1. Best way to avoid mosquitoes is to screen the top of the barrel

denying them access to the water surface to lay their eggs. Even if there are a few larvae in there now, they won't be able to fly out when they mature.

As for algae, there are algae killers out there that are various forms of bleach, the same stuff they use to keep swimming pools clear of algae and other nasties.

[madokie]

3. Thats what my neighbor does

Out by his shop he he has a barrel he catches rain water in to wash his hands with and he has a screen on top and puts a few drops of clorox in it from time to time

[DCKit]

2. My S.O. tells me a teaspoon of kerosene will keep it safe.

It's not dangerously toxic and will evaporate every couple of days, but it suffocates the mosquito larvae as it floats on top of the water. I'm not sure how long they spend in the water, but even a weekly treatment should be enough to disrupt the cycle.

Cost a lot less than running a pump, too.

[phantom power]

4. The larvae like stagnant water.

I'm not sure how you keep water in a barrel from becoming stagnant. But if you can, it should prevent larvae.

[nykym]

5. Mosquito Dunks

There little donut shaped things you toss into the water. They work great and are not harmfull. Here's the link for more info.

http://www.summitchemical.com/view-products.aspx?id=8