Does This Viral “Bucket of Doom” Trick Actually Get Rid of Mosquitoes?

Climate change is extending mosquito season across most of the country, plus mosquitoes are adapting to better survive heat waves. So how can we keep them from becoming even more annoying around our yards? This TikTok video hails one solution: the “mosquito bucket of doom.”

I’ve written about — and busted — many mosquito deterrent products that are not based on sound science. So, I was curious if this viral video was another faulty hack. Refreshingly, mosquito experts explained that it can actually work.

“The concept is to create a nice breeding location, then disrupt and kill the larvae before they get a chance to grow,” says Tony King, a pest control expert at The Pied Piper Pest Control Company. “It is not a silver bullet, but it is an intelligent strategy that can reduce mosquito populations.”

Here’s how to make mosquito buckets of doom, plus safely and effectively place them around your yard.

Mosquito Bucket of Doom Ingredients

The three main ingredients in a mosquito bucket of doom are water, yard debris and a larvicide. “These ingredients simulate an ideal mosquito breeding ground with a fatal twist,” says Emma Grace Crumbley, an entomologist at Mosquito Squad Plus.

In the video, the larvicide comes from Mosquito Bits and Mosquito Dunks, products available online and at most hardware stores. Those contain a naturally occurring soil bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), which kills larvae before they become adults, and thus breaks the breeding cycle. The bits are made of granules, which work fast, while the dunks are 30-day slow-release tablets.

As for the yard debris, anything from leaves to hay and grass clippings should work. The point is to provide an attractive food supply for larvae, which encourages mother mosquitoes to lay their eggs in that particular bucket of water.

How To Make a Mosquito Bucket of Doom

@rebelssanctuary If you’re in the south, the mosquitos do not play. I made only two buckets, but I’ll probably make a couple more since it’s so cheap! P.S. I don’t take credit for this easy DIY! I saw another creator make this and thought it was soo smart! #backyard #mosquito #summer ♬ Old Man – Neil Young

Combine water, Mosquito Bits and Dunks and some yard debris in a bucket or other open container. Add the larvicide according to the package instructions, based on how much water you’re using. Keep in mind that you likely don’t need as much water as the video shows.

“Mosquitos are very resourceful when it comes to finding breeding grounds, and mosquito larvae don’t need that much space to swim around and search for food,” says Crumbley. “I would opt for smaller containers with less depth over larger ones.”

The video creator also added a stick to help other wildlife escape if they accidentally get caught inside. “You can add this if it brings you peace of mind, but it may be better just to use smaller buckets,” says Crumbley.

Does It Work?

Yes, buckets of doom do work, but with caveats. They won’t work on adult mosquitoes, eggs and pupae, or mosquito species that lay eggs in moist soil rather than water. Plus, the buckets should be actively monitored and reformulated after heavy rain.

“If done correctly, it can actually reduce the number, but it’s a tool in the toolbox, not a cure-all,” says King. Also, “If you just so happen to forget to add enough Bti or don’t change it often enough, you’re essentially making a mosquito kindergarten. So it doesn’t work unless it is being properly cared for and used in conjunction with other methods of control.”

The most vital secondary method of control is removing standing water throughout your yard, including inside garbage cans and plant pot saucers, since even a small amount of water can become a mosquito breeding ground. Other important control methods include:

• Using fans on patios and tables to disrupt their flight;
• Putting screens on windows;
• Routinely inspecting around the home for breeding grounds;
• Considering professional treatments, especially if you live in an area that’s high-risk for mosquito-borne diseases.

“For those who do not want to even use natural biological control agents, flipping over and draining water sources weekly will interfere with the life cycle completely without product use at all,” says King.

Where Should I Put the Buckets of Doom?

Depending on the size of your yard, you’ll likely need several buckets to provide adequate coverage. Place them in shady, damp areas where mosquitoes naturally accumulate and breed, such as under dense shrubs, next to trash cans and near permanent standing water fixtures like dog bowls and bird baths.

“Instead of making one or two big buckets and placing them in the front and backyard, consider making several smaller buckets to place around the perimeter of the home,” says Crumbley.

Joel Stack, owner of Pulaski Pest Control, says to keep them away from doors and windows to avoid drawing them indoors and from work areas, patios, play areas and other places where people and pets are likely to hang out. The goal is to draw mosquitoes away from where people spend time.

Is The Mosquito Bucket of Doom Safe?

Yes, dunks and bits are considered safe for people, pets, wildlife and the environment, to the point that many organic farming operations use it around their crops.

“The active ingredient only targets mosquito larvae and a few related insects like black flies, so it doesn’t harm humans, dogs, cats, birds, fish or beneficial insects like bees and butterflies,” says Stack. “You can even use them in places like birdbaths and ponds without worry. They’re a popular choice for environmentally friendly mosquito control.”

Of course, it’s still important to closely read and precisely follow the instructions on the product bag. As added precautions, place the buckets out of reach of toddlers and pets, and store the Bits and Dunks in a secure location, since drinking the treated water or chewing on the tablets can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets, says veterinary technician Amber Batteiger.

Also, don’t dump the treated bucket water into natural bodies of water unless the label specifically says that’s okay.

About the Experts

• Emma Grace Crumbley is an entomologist at Mosquito Squad Plus and a self-described bug nerd who uses her expertise to educate people about the fascinating world of bugs.
• Tony King is a pest control expert and the founder of The Pied Piper Pest Control Company, which has been serving in London, England, for more than 25 years.
• Amber Batteiger is a veterinary technician at Embrace Pet Insurance. She also has a decade of animal emergency services and welfare experience, deploying to natural disaster areas around the world.
• Joel Stack is a former wildland firefighter-turned-owner/operator of Pulaski Pest Control, a company that focuses on eco-friendly methods, serving Burlington and northern Vermont.

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