Mosquitoes hiding in the roots

[jamesnewton]

So I just verified that I have been hosting mosquitoes in the tanks, but I couldn't see them until I checked in the roots and around the tops of the sponges. And there they were... little... bad things...

I've dropped in some "Mosquito Dunks"
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacillus_thuringiensis_israelensis
and as far as I can find, those are not toxic to humans
www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/bti-mosquito-control##2

I searched here, and didn't find anyone else having that issue. Just wanted to ask if people have found them and just not posted about it? Any ideas other than Bti to stop it? Any ideas for killing the flyers? They live for up to 4 weeks as long as they keep biting me, and believe me, they are doing that. 

[Sher]

jamesnewton , a teasoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide will kill any larvae in your tanks and will benefit the roots. It can be added every five days as the peroxide breaks down

I would empty the tank and start with fresh water and nutes before adding the peroxide.

You are on your own with kllling the fliers, I'm afraid.

[Shawn]

I have never heard of anyone having mosquitoes in there gardens or tank. Gnats and aphids yes.

I am not a bug person so if it were me I would dump the projects and start over but again that's just me. if there's any possibility that there's eggs or anything laying around I get rid of it and start fresh. That's one good thing about aerogardens is that you can grow all year around and start new whenever you need to.

But back to your question, I have never heard of mosquitoes. Obviously one or more got into your home whether through a window, your clothes or through a plant brought in and latched onto your garden. If you have more than one machine I would check all of them to make sure that they don't have any bugs in them. Also check any plants you may have in your home to see if there's any in the dirt there.

Let us know how you make out getting rid of all your little flying creatures.

[Sher]

jamesnewton, it just occurred to me that your pump might not be plugged in. Or it might not be working. Can you check it to make sure?

Mosquitos like stagnant water. If the water is being agitated, it is unlikely that mosquitos would be growing there.

[Shawn]

Good Point    !

[clumsythumbs]

Jan 12, 2021 7:39:47 GMT -5 Sher said:

jamesnewton , it just occurred to me that your pump might not be plugged in. Or it might not be working. Can you check it to make sure?

Mosquitos like stagnant water. If the water is being agitated, it is unlikely that mosquitos would be growing there.

I thought the same, Sher . They like warm stagnant water. I also agree dumping the water and the peroxide is a needed. Really sorry you are experiencing this, jamesnewton . Mosquitos love to bite me as well. 

[jamesnewton]

Excellent points on the pump and hydrogen peroxide. 

I did check the pumps and they ARE working. My little seed starter needed the bubble pump cleaned because it wasn't doing a lot, but even after cleaning, there was no change in the situation. 

I'm a little embarrassed I didn't think of Hydrogen Peroxide. Duh. Excellent solution and probably a good preventative once in a while. Thanks for reminding me.

The population of flyers is now starting to drop, and the Bti seems to be working well, so that is another possible solution. 

[rob33026]

Lol. A year and a half since this post was active. We too have found that aero gardens are good for growing mosquitoes. I’m not sure how often my wife changes the water- so there is that. We have since changed the water, rinsed the roots well. The crop is cherry tomatoes and they are in full bloom, so starting over is not a thing hydrogen peroxide is a great suggestion. We will do that, and we picked up a bug zapper for the occasional flyer . We live in Florida and it took us a week to figure out the mosquitoes were not coming from outside

Great post. I found it through a google search.

[Shawn]

Sept 20, 2022 18:04:20 GMT -5 rob33026 said:

Lol. A year and a half since this post was active. We too have found that aero gardens are good for growing mosquitoes. I’m not sure how often my wife changes the water- so there is that. We have since changed the water, rinsed the roots well. The crop is cherry tomatoes and they are in full bloom, so starting over is not a thing hydrogen peroxide is a great suggestion. We will do that, and we picked up a bug zapper for the occasional flyer . We live in Florida and it took us a week to figure out the mosquitoes were not coming from outside

Great post. I found it through a google search.

Hello and welcome rob33026.  I guess it depends on where you live.  Thankfully no mosquitoes in my gardens but yes they along with other pests can invade. 

Water changes are good and maybe even a small fan to circulate air as long as it is not directed on the plants. 

Glad you found us