Where standing water can't be eliminated, try stocking mosquito fish.
Adding organic matter to almost any type of soil has the surprising side effect of helping to eliminate mosquitoes. Organic matter improves soil's structure and ability to hold moisture and -- in a seeming paradox -- also improves its permeability. Improving soil so it absorbs water and drains fairly quickly means you've eliminated the problem of standing water -- and taken a giant step toward diminishing breeding habitat for many mosquito species. Even poorly drained soils can be improved enough to accomplish this. Does this Spark an idea?
Poorly Draining Soils
Not all mosquito species lay eggs in or near standing water, but many do -- which is why poorly draining soils are a key concern when the goal is to eliminate mosquito-breeding habitat. Fortunately, even these soil can be improved enough to limit mosquito populations. But before tackling that challenge, be sure to clean up all sources of stale, standing water, from old tires, buckets and leaf-clogged rain gutters to neglected pools and birdbaths.
Silt And Clay Soils
Heavy clay and silty soils have similar properties -- slick or sticky when wet -- and are the slowest to drain. Changing soil structure is a top priority if limiting mosquitoes is the goal. Given that clay is least permeable to water -- composed of very small, tightly packed soil particles -- and sand is very permeable, people often assume that adding sand to clay is the answer. This only makes matter worse, unfortunately, because sand mixed with clay essentially creates concrete. To transform clay-type soils, the goals are to improve aeration and drainage, increase both permeability and porosity and improve soil aggregation. Adding high-fiber organic soil amendments including tree bark, wood chips, straw and peat is the best approach.
Loamy Soils
Good garden loam is ideal from a gardener's perspective and also good for eliminating mosquitoes. Loamy soil can range from sandy to silty or clay types, but all generally are well balanced in proportions of sand, clay and organic matter. The result is richly productive garden soil high in plant nutrients. A ball of moist loam in your hand will feel somewhat rough and gritty and easily hold its shape -- but break apart when squeezed. Loam soil types are water permeable, contain enough organic matter to hold moisture and also drain quickly. Adding additional organic matter will continue to improve soil structure.
Sandy Soils
Of all the basic soil types, sandy soils are quickest to drain -- almost immediately, in fact -- because they feature very large particles. If you pick up a handful of moist sandy soil and try to form it into a ball it will fall apart in your hand. This is the one soil type that needs no help in deterring mosquitoes. But sandy soils do need amending if homeowners hope to grow anything. For sandy soil the goal is to increase both its ability to hold moisture and to accumulate nutrients. Well-rotted manure and compost are ideal.
Tags: standing water, hold moisture, organic matter, soil structure, ability hold, ability hold moisture, improve soil