February 26
We had a great turnout for our conversation about mosquito buckets. Peter Helfrich/Beecatur provided a significant overview, and we shared instructions and examples so that we can all make our own!
The pyrethroids that companies spray to control mosquitos are toxic to all insects; they kill ALL POLLINATORS and harm aquatic life. According to entolmologist Doug Tallamy, who has been vocal in his promotion of mosquito buckets, which use a naturally-occuring bacterium to target mosquitos, sprays (always toxic) kill only 10% of the adults while buckets eliminate 85% of larvae — at the source. Buckets are so effective, especially when used in continguous spaces (like several yards, or an entire street!).
We introduced Integrated Pest Management plans: policies that establish definitions and thresholds, and move from non-toxic solutions to chemical controls, as necessary. An IPM for mosquitoes can include multiple choices and actions such as buckets!
Thank you to our local bee advocates: Bee City USA® – Decatur, GA (BeeCatur/Peter Helfrich) and Bee Campus USA® (People for Pollinators).
Here is a really helpful visual from Non-Toxic Communities.
Thank you, Intown Ace Hardware, especially Tony Powers and Andy Jones for sponsoring last night’s session and providing supplies for buckets. Decatur residents, please go see them for your mosquito bucket needs!
