QUESTION: I want to try your “Mozzie Dunk” and “Mozzie Bits” products, they sound like a great idea! But which one should I use?
Good question! Both the “Dunks” and the “Bits” use the same active ingredient (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis) so they are both as effective as each other.
However, the “Bits” are faster acting than the dunks. This is because the granules sink through the water column quicker, killing mosquito larvae within hours. The “Dunks” offer a slower release, and as a result tend to be more effective for a longer period of time (“Bits” generally up to 14 days whilst the “Dunks” will continue killing mosquito larvae for up to 30 days or more). So I suggest that if you notice mosquito larvae starting to hatch now, use the Bits for a “quick kill” and then ongoing use of the Dunks will ensure they don’t come back!
QUESTION: Can I break the “Mozzie Dunks” in to smaller pieces if I have a small area to treat?
Yes, you sure can. Each “Dunk” will treat up to 10 Square metres of water area (regardless of depth). So for example you could break your dunk into quarters and treat up to 0.5 square metres for each piece.
QUESTION: You say that The Mozzie Dunks and Bits are non-toxic to humans, animals, fish and vegetation. I’d like to use these in my pond but don’t want to hurt the wildlife that lives and feeds there – can you please give me a bit more information regarding this, so I can be sure?
I certainly can. Here goes…
Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (the active ingredient in easytrap Mozzie Dunks and Bits) is specific to mosquitoes and black flies due to the reaction in their high PH mid-gut. BTI spores contained within a crystal, known as a delta endotoxin, only activate in a highly basic digestive tract such as those specific to mosquitoes and black flies. When ingested by a mosquito or black fly larvae, the Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis act as a stomach poison. The mid-gut of the mosquito or black fly larvae is broken down, eventually resulting in paralysis and death of the larvae. BTI is target specific and does not adversely affect wildlife or beneficial insects, humans or pets.
Not nice, but then neither are mozzies…
