Canadians Are Using ‘Buckets Of Doom’ To Combat Mosquitoes This Summer
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If your summer evenings currently involve swatting away mosquitoes, you are not alone.
Experts say Canadians should brace for an active mosquito season ahead. But with insect-control products already flying off shelves (no pun intended), many are turning to an unlikely source for relief: the so-called “Bucket of Doom.”
Despite its daunting name, the Bucket of Doom is essentially a DIY mosquito trap. The setup typically involves a bucket filled with water and organic matter (like grass clippings or old leaves) that’s treated with a larvicide containing Bti, a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae before they can hatch. It works by attracting female mosquitoes looking for a place to lay eggs, then stopping their offspring from turning into the blood-hungry adults we all hate.
Unlike many internet hacks, this one actually works.
“It is very effective at killing larval mosquitoes,” Fiona Hunter, president of the environmental consulting company Entomogen Inc., told Chatelaine by email.
But it might be overkill. According to Hunter, a single mosquito dunk you buy at the store is designed to treat roughly 100 square feet of water—far more surface area of a typical backyard bucket. That means many DIY videos are encouraging people to use more product than necessary.
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It’s also important to cover the bucket with fine mesh or wire fencing to prevent animals or larger insects from getting into the concoction and making a mess in your yard.
The catch? Not every mosquito is interested in your Bucket of Doom. Hunter notes that while Ontario is home to nearly 70 mosquito species, only a handful are likely to use these buckets as breeding sites. Plenty of others are happy to set up shop in your bird baths, clogged gutters and any other spot where water sits for too long. That’s why experts say removing standing water is just as important.
So while the Bucket of Doom can be a useful tool, it won’t single-handedly save your backyard from becoming a mosquito buffet. Especially if not properly maintained, heavy rain can wash away the treatment—leaving behind exactly what you are trying to prevent.
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Sarah Bauly is the assistant editor at Chatelaine. Outside of writing, she can often be found getting lost in her favourite ’80s hits, lingering in bookshops or exploring the city in search of her next go-to coffee spot.
