Hi Carol...are you weekenders in Newport, by chance? That's where I am. :-)

Mosquito dunks! They don't harm birds, and for a small birdbath, will last a while. You'd break a dunk into pieces and just put a little in at a time - usually it has to be replaced only once a month. They have them at most garden centers.

Here is a link that might be useful: mosquito dunks

Mosquito Dunks? I had no idea there was such a thing - perfect for my use! Thanks, kpaquette. And no, we're further east: way across the Sakonnet River and almost in MA. I notice you call yourself "zone 6" - are you sure it gets that cold where you are? You might be edge of zone 7.

Carol

ha I usually put 6b...sometimes I get lazy. ;-) but this year it was definitely a 7! I'm not sure what I am technically - would you say 7? To be honest, I was all condo living/container gardening in the city (Boston) until we moved here - we did an inside/out renovation including the landscaping and this is my first garden in my life. it was put in late last spring. I'm just so proud I didn't kill it. haha

Some friends of ours in Dighton have a small pond (man made) in their back yard and they swear by the dunks. Hope they work for you!

Great photos, corunum! That second one is an especially wonderful action shot.

I agree with others here who have suggested mosquito dunks. There are also smaller pellets that you can sprinkle in the water called mosquito bits that contain the same active ingredient, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) bacteria. This bacteria is lethal to mosquito larvae, but is harmless to humans and animals. If you use mosquito bits, simply sprinkle some on the surface of the water until the surface is covered.

Getting a water pump for your bird bath is another way to discourage mosquitoes from breeding in the water. The added bonus with that solution is that you'll attract even more birds, because birds love the sight and sound of moving water.

Best of luck!

The larvae are the problem for sure. We’ve just gotten setup to carry a new product that was just approved by the EPA and out of Europe. Specifically goes after the larvae, the CDC just gave it the thumbs up as well. Mosquito control is a serious issue for sure especially with the diseases they carry.

Have a look at in2care.org

Carp? Dragon Flies?

@edlin no, mosquito traps that kills the mosquitos, the larvae and as they travel from breeding ground to breeding ground it kills those mosquitos and larvae. Developed by a biologist in Europe.