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Want to control annoying mosquitoes without harming pollinators and other beneficial insects? DIY mosquito traps are easy and inexpensive and work by targeting mosquito larvae rather than the adult mosquito. All you need are a bucket, water, some straw or leaves, and a Mosquito Dunk. The water and straw attract the female mosquito to the bucket to lay her eggs and the Dunks will kill the larvae once they emerge. Here’s how to make a DIY mosquito trap.

You’ll also want to eliminate any standing water elsewhere to reduce the number of places for mosquito eggs. Also, you can encourage your neighbors to use these mosquito traps and to dump any standing water–common mosquitoes have a range of 600 yards to 2 miles. Keep in mind that spraying for adult mosquitoes has limited effectiveness and kills bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

For more on strategies to control mosquitoes, check out these articles written by the Extension Master Gardeners of Arlington and Alexandria:

Protecting Yourself From Mosquitoes Without Harming Pollinators

Mosquito Control Begins with a Home Walk-Around

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This content originally appeared in The EcoAdvocate newsletter produced by the EcoAction Arlington Advocacy Committee.