Hydroponics and mosquitos???

[renata]

Hi everybory!
I have a doubt...hope it's not silly!
Have any of you ever had problems with mosquitos in this "water only" system?...And with semi-hydroponics? The reason I ask is that here in Brazil we are kinda in the middle of Dengue epidemics and the mosquito that spreads this disease l-o-o-o-o-ves clean and still water....So some of the recomendations are: to use a little of bleach (is that correct?) in still water, coffee powder and put sand inside the plates under the plants.....I wonder is this would do any harm to the plant??
Thanks!!!!!!!

[NicC]

You can control the mosquito larvae in standing water by using Bacillius Thuringiensis (Bt.) In the States we have small donut shaped packets called DUNK that can be put into standing water for use by ordinary citizens. This same thing can be dissolved into water used for orchid watering and feeding. It is totally harmless to the plant (as well as fish in ponds.) You may have something similar there. I would suspect the health authorities would make this readily available since it is very inexpensive.
Nick

[jerrymeola]

Bracillus is more than harmless to the orchid, it is a natural anti-fungicide.

[renata]

Hello, NICK and Jerry,
thanks for this info, I loved it, I'll look for this "little friend" here in Brazil, maybe is easier to find than I suspect.....This way I can try hydroponics !!!!!!!!
Thank you!!!!

[plucker]

Hi guys and girls, I have come up with my own solution for mosquitoes. I use pitcher plants located around the greenhouse which require the same light and water as the precious orchids and require insects which provide nutrition.
Its a win win situation for me.

[janet_a]

Also, if you flood your pots often enough it should'nt be an issue. Water standing in humidity trays is more of a problem.

[Filb]

Originally Posted by jerrymeola

Bracillus is more than harmless to the orchid, it is a natural anti-fungicide.

It's not a fungicide (nor an "anti-fungicide" ><), it's bacteria that causes mosquito (and other, select insects') larvae to die.
Yes I would recommend using it if you can get your hands on some.