MOSQUITO DUNKSâ
Information
Mosquito Dunk Label
How to Apply Dunks (BTI)
Tips
The Town of Clifton Park is currently offering free BTI dunks to all residents.
The Town implemented this program to help reduce the active mosquito population. The Town chose BTI as an alternative to the spraying that was used by other municipalities around the region.
BTI is a bacterium that specifically targets mosquito larvae. BTI dunks pose no harm to plants or animals and have been used in some places of the world to treat potable water sources to eliminate mosquito larvae.
To receive the dunks or if you have any questions about the program you should contact
Barbara McHugh at 371-6651 ext. 230 or E-mail. Residents are encouraged to participate in this program.
Dunks may only be used by resident property owners on their own lands.
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HOW TO APPLY DUNKS (BTI)
- Locate suspected mosquito breeding areas: woodland pools and other standing water on property (swimming pool covers, rain drains, bird baths, etc.)
- Inspect by visual observation or by utilizing a "dipper" or small swimming pool net to confirm whether mosquito larva known as "wrigglers" are present in the water. The undisturbed "wrigglers" will be 1/4" to 5/8" in length and close to the water surface and will, as one approaches, swim to the bottom by flexing their bodies back and forth.
****With a little practice, a quiet observant approach, and walk along the water's edge will allow you to determine quickly whether developing mosquito "wrigglers" are present.****
IMPORTANT: Do not apply dunks unless you visually confirm mosquito "wrigglers" are present. They are expensive!
- Each dunk will treat 100 Sq. Ft. area or a 10'x10' area. Visualizing 10'x10' squares over the water's area is an easy way to estimate the number of dunks one needs to apply to treat the water source. Break the dunk into pieces for application to smaller areas. Dunks will kill all mosquito larvae within 24 hours and are effective for 30 days before reapplication is necessary. They are safe to use near drinking water supplies.
- It is legal for to apply dunks without a state pesticide applicators permit to their own property. If your neighbor has mosquito-breeding areas on his land encourage him to treat hid own property with dunks. It is illegal to apply dunks to other's land without their permission; individuals treating such lands must also be under the direction of a New York State certified pesticide applicator.
If your neighbor has mosquito-breeding areas on his land encourage him to treat hid own property with dunks. It is illegal to apply dunks to other's land without their permission; individuals treating such lands must also be under the direction of a New York State certified pesticide applicator.
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TIPS
Do not assume wet or swampy Mosquitoey-looking areas are necessarily producing mosquitoes and treat them unnecessarily.
Often larger, year-round wetlands and ponds do not produce mosquitoes because they support numerous predators of mosquito larva such as, tadpoles, salamanders, and a number of predaceous invertebrates. Mosquitoes do not breed in moving water. Take a close look at small, seasonally wet areas and woodland pools; many are devoid of mosquito predators and may support thousands of mosquito-producing larva.
Thank you for your assistance. Applying dunks correctly will help eliminate nuisance mosquitoes.
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Lyme Disease
-- West Nile Information
