They demonstrated using mosquito dunks, which are nontoxic and safe for humans, pets and wildlife.
Mosquitoes are multiplying as the weather warms up. Nobody wants bloodsucking insects biting them or spreading diseases, especially while we enjoy the summer months. It is usually recommended not to keep any stagnant water pool around in order to prevent mosquitoes from further multiplying. Still, a straightforward hack that not only keeps them away but stops their lineage. One homeowner, Finch—who goes by @afinchmerely on TikTok—claims they have not been bitten even once by mosquitoes this summer.
While hanging out in their backyard at the end of May, they share the perfect hack in a video clip, captioned, "I'm bringing mosquito dunks to all my friend's houses. Also, it's safe for critters and birds!" The video received more than four million views. While showing us what looks like a dirty tub of water, they explain, "This nasty bucket of water. It's got a mosquito dunk right there and some grass clippings to make it rank. You can see all the mosquito larvae, but the dunk keeps them from maturing. The mosquitoes come, lay their eggs here and then that is the end of their line."
Traditional mosquito dunks are "sustained-release products that float on water and release a long-term larvicide at the water's surface, which must be eaten by the mosquito larvae," according to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH).
People in the comments loved this simple hack. "Girl didn't just kill a mosquito, she ended the mosquitos lineage," commented @mitttmop. "How is it 2023 and so many of us are just now learning that mosquito dunks exist?" questioned @lindsey4020. "They're straight up just called mosquito dunks! They're like little donuts you put in a stagnant pool of water and it does its magic! 10/10 recommend," reinforced @heckeon. "You can also put the dunk in water overnight and then use that treated water to water your indoor plants if you have gnats/mites!" added @bubbledoor.
Mosquito dunks, in particular, are nontoxic to humans, pets and wildlife. Instead of a general pesticide, they contain a special bacteria known as BTI that only targets mosquito larvae. Dunks is thus a specialized solution that is safe for users' families, pets and the environment. They are also simple to use and long-lasting, according to Eartheasy. People don't need to make a special bucket; simply place them in any standing water near their home, such as gutters, birdbaths and flower pots. Each dunk floats on top of the water and spreads BTI over a surface area of up to 100 square feet for at least 30 days.
The TikTok user shared a follow-up video, sharing they did get bit by one mosquito. However, the homeowner upped their game by planting lavender and marigold plants, using a bite fighter and installing the mosquito dunk in their bird bath and not around their patio. They also use "Off deep woods" mosquito repellent. These are some mosquito advice that might help you enjoy your summers better without getting a communicable disease.
Insects can be fascinating. Similarly, scientists discovered a sophisticated underground ant city that once housed millions of insects in 2012, later captured in the documentary "Ants: Nature's Secret Power." Brazil discovered the massive underground roadways, pathways and gardens of the deserted megalopolis. There is thought to have been one of the world's largest ant colonies there. Leafcutter ants used to live in Brazil's vast network of tunnels. The ant colony, which has been dubbed a "superorganism" due to the way it organizes itself, took on the Herculean task of constructing its massive house. But no one knows when the leafcutter colony vanished or what killed them.