Question
Hi, I'm getting back into growing CPs, Sarracenia in particular, and was wondering if you knew of anyway to keep mosquito larvae from growing in my purple pitcher plants? I've always had that happen when growing Purpurea, but with this Zika Virus whatnot being an issue, I'd like to reduce my chances of breeding mosquitoes in general. Any ideas? I also tend to keep mine setting in a dish of water, could you recommend something for that as well?
Thanks for any tips or info!

-Mike.

Answer
Hi Michael,

In water trays, if it's not practical to dump trays frequently you can use Mosquito dunks.  They contain a bacterial toxin that kills mosquito larvae, but is harmless to other aquatics.  Here's a link:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_5_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords

The larvae you see in the Sarracenia purpurea pitchers themselves are beneficial to the plant, and not a blood feeding species.  Here's some information:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyeomyia_smithii

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com