How to Get Rid of Mosquito Larvae in African Daisy Flower Water

African daisies (Osteospermum) are beautiful flowering plants that can brighten up any garden or home Their colorful blooms last throughout summer and into fall However, leaving standing water in containers used for African daisies can lead to a mosquito problem. Mosquito larvae thrive in the stagnant water left in plant saucers and pots. If you’ve noticed more mosquitos buzzing around your African daisies, it’s likely they are breeding in the flower water. Getting rid of mosquito larvae will help you control the mosquito population and let you continue enjoying your lovely daisies.

Why Mosquitos Are Attracted to African Daisies

Female mosquitos lay their eggs in stagnant water A saucer under a potted African daisy provides the perfect breeding ground. Mosquitos are searching for small pools of water to lay their eggs in, and flower pots are ideal

• African daisies require frequent watering so their saucers often have standing water.

• The shallow water in saucers warms faster, speeding up larval development.

• Plant saucers are sheltered, protecting larvae from predators.

• Nutrients from potting soil and plant debris feed the mosquito larvae.

Within 7-10 days, eggs can hatch into larvae and become adults ready to start biting. Getting rid of any standing water under your African daisies deprives mosquitos of a place to reproduce.

How to Check for Mosquito Larvae

Examine water under and around your African daisies closely for signs of mosquito larvae. Here’s what to look for:

• Tiny black worms wriggling near the water’s surface. These are the larvae.

• Larvae hanging upside-down beneath the water’s surface. When disturbed, they dart down into the water.

• Pupae that look like comma-shaped dots in the water. These eventually become adult mosquitos.

• More mosquitos frequenting your African daisies or garden. This indicates breeding.

Finding mosquito larvae means you need to take action to get rid of them. The longer you wait, the more mosquitos may hatch.

Effective Ways to Eliminate Mosquito Larvae

Once you confirm mosquito larvae in your daisy flower water, use these methods to kill them:

Drain and Dump Out Standing Water

The simplest solution is to dump out any standing water in saucers or pots. Mosquito larvae and eggs need water to survive. Removing their habitat discourages mosquitos from laying new eggs too. Be sure to drain any collected rainwater as well.

Use Larvicides

Products containing chemicals that specifically target and kill mosquito larvae can quickly eliminate an infestation. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) is a natural larvicide derived from bacteria that is safe for plants and pets. Other options like methoprene mimic mosquito growth hormones to disrupt development. Always follow label application instructions carefully.

Apply Oil to Suffocate Larvae

Creating an oil barrier on the water’s surface prevents larvae from coming up to breathe. Oils also damage the larvae’s protective outer coating, leading to dehydration. Use a light mineral oil or vegetable oil and reapply every 1-2 weeks. Just a thin film of oil is needed to kill mosquito larvae.

Introduce Mosquito Predators

Adding mosquito predators like fish or dragonfly nymphs to flower water will allow nature to take its course. Small fish species like mosquitofish and gambusia rapidly feed on larvae and eggs. Ensure containers and saucers are large enough to support predator species.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar alters the water’s pH, creating an unlivable environment for mosquito larvae. Add around 1 cup apple cider vinegar per gallon of water. Reapply every 5-7 days as needed until all larvae are gone.

Apply Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon oil can kill mosquito larvae by disrupting cell membranes. Add several drops of cinnamon essential oil directly into the standing water. However, too much cinnamon oil risks harming your African daisies. Monitor your plants closely for any damage.

Use BTI Dunks

BTI dunks are small tablets containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis bacteria. As they dissolve, they release spores that poison mosquito larvae when ingested. Place 1 dunk per 200 sq. ft. of surface area in pots or saucers. Replace dunks every 30 days before they dissolve completely.

Change the Water Frequently

Dump out old flower water every few days so new mosquito eggs don’t have time to hatch and develop. Refill pots and saucers with fresh water as needed. This removes any larvae and also washes away egg rafts before they become a problem.

Prevent Mosquitos from Returning

Getting rid of current mosquito larvae is vital, but you’ll also want to take steps to keep new generations from establishing themselves:

• Check African daisy saucers frequently for standing water and dump it out.

• Allow potting soil to dry out a bit between waterings.

• Use mosquito dunks or bits preemptively in flower water.

• Put out mosquito traps around your garden to reduce populations.

• Replace flower water with sand, pebbles, or gravel to prevent standing water.

• Prune plants to increase airflow and light, making conditions less hospitable.

With a little work, your yard can go from mosquito haven back to a relaxing garden oasis. Stop mosquitos from thriving in your African daisies’ water and enjoy their bright, bountiful blooms all season long without the annoyance of mosquito bites.