Rain Barrels and Mosquitos

Jasmin
by Jasmin
1 Material
$1.00
2 Minutes
Easy
If you have a plain ol' barrel you are using for the collection of rain water..... do what we do.... throw a couple of .10 cent gold fish in there to eat any mosquito larvae.
These guys were put in there last summer. We brought them in over the winter and today they get to go back to their swimming hole. I must say.... our mosquito count was definitely down last summer, and.... they are an amusing conversation piece when people notice them swimming around.
The only thing you need to do is make sure to float your fish in whatever container they come in when you buy them to make sure the temperature differences don't shock them to death. I floated these guys for half the day.... only because I got busy in the garden.
Also, grab a little thing of flakes for the days there are no larvae for them.
I typically just feed them a pinch every morning when I have my coffee and walk the gardens.
Suggested materials:
  • Fish   (Pet store)
Frequently asked questions
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3 of 6 questions
  • Paulette Paulette on Apr 25, 2017

    I would think the raccoons would eat the fish. I do have a rain barrel and it gets loaded with larva that likely turns into mosquitos. I have been covering it with plastic landscaping cover that has tiny holes in it. I figure the skeeters can get in but can't get back out. Has anyone had trouble with raccoons?

  • Vernon Collins Vernon Collins on Aug 12, 2017

    what do u do with them when it gets cold how do u keep the water clean

  • Bobbie Garling-Myers Bobbie Garling-Myers on May 17, 2020

    What happens when you get water out of the barrel to water plants?

Comments
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2 of 10 comments
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Jun 11, 2016
    These type of goldfish are carp. Mine came 10 for a dollar so I used them as 'test fish' intending to get nice ones later. In about 3 years later they were about 8-10 inches and wintered well in my iced over frozen outdoor garden ponds. Fed goldfish food maybe once a week.
  • Add Height Add Height on Sep 26, 2016
    that is a pretty brilliant idea! so is this goo.gl/wCZvn6
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