The Mosquito Bucket Challenge

Mosquito dunks containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) are widely available online and at most hardware stores, garden centers, or home improvement retailers. Look in the pest control or outdoor garden section. One dunk can be split into multiple sections. Approximately one-quarter of a dunk is right for a 5-gallon bucket.

Yes. Bti is non-toxic to humans and animals. Just place the bucket out of reach so it's not a drowning hazard and add a stick so small animals can escape if needed. If you'd like more info, refer to the EPA website.

There’s no set number. One or two is a great start for most yards. Larger properties or areas near standing water may need more. Try placing them in different shady areas and see what works best.

Not exactly. Mosquitoes are already in your yard, laying eggs in any bit of standing water they can find (plant saucers, gutters, toys, puddles). This bucket gives them a place to lay eggs that you control, and then it stops the larvae before they can grow up and bite.

So instead of spreading mosquito breeding across your yard, you’re concentrating it in one place...and shutting it down.

No. Just add a new quarter dunk every 30 days - you want that water funky. If the water dries up or becomes unusable, you can rinse and restart, but regular refilling is usually enough.

It's safe to empty into a garden bed or lawn.

Many businesses discard food-grade 5-gallon buckets and may be willing to give you one for free. Call ahead to check availability.

Places to try:

• Donut shops (e.g., Dunkin’, Tim Hortons)
• Fast food restaurants (e.g., Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s)
• Big box stores with bakeries (e.g., Walmart, Meijer, Sam’s Club)
• Grocery store bakeries (e.g., Kroger, Safeway)

Ask for empty icing or food ingredient buckets. They’re perfect for this project and help keep waste out of landfills.

It’s a visible way to spread the message! The more people see these buckets around (in person and on social media), the more likely they are to ditch the fogger and try it themselves.