Question
QUESTION: I am currently growing U. Inflata in a small tub.  However, the water in the tub provides a nice breedin ground for mosquito and other annoying bugs to lay their larvae and I can always see them wriggling in the water.  Mosquito dunks sometimes work, but I need your help with a more effective preventive treatment.

ANSWER: Hi Taylor,

I've always found the dunks incredibly effective, and we use them on a large scale.  Different products are out there, however.  Some types are meant for fast kill, but have a short lifespan in the water.  Others, especially the, donut type, last about a month, but it takes a while for the bacterium to begin killing them.  You also have to remember to put in a new one every four weeks.

Something else you can do that may be fun is to see if you can get some Dragonfly larvae.  These can be found in ponds sometimes, and biological supply companies may sell them.  We have found that Dragonflies lay their eggs in our Sarracenia pools, and where the larvae are present, no mosquito larvae.  They are like little alien monsters that snag them with a jaw that shoots out.  Here's a company that has them sometimes:  http://www.berkshirebiological.com/


Good Growing!

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

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QUESTION: Yes, the dragonfly larvae sounds good.  So are they harmless to the bladderwort and humans?  Also can they reproduce enough so that the plant can capture them, but some still survive?

ANSWER: Hi Taylor,

Dragonfly nymphs are strict carnivores, so they don't eat plants at all.  I suppose they can bite, but if you pick one up they usually pull their legs in and play dead.  Once they metamorphose they are delightful insects to have flying around.  They adults eat lots of bugs.

Their reproduction will go in cycles.  To keep a steady population you would need other bodies of water nearby.  Like any biological control, it's not going to be 100%.  But if you combine them with the ocassional dunks, you should be fine.

Good Growing!

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks a lot for your help.  A couple more questions.  The site you've recommended me sells only damselfly larvae.  Is that a good substitute for dragonflies?  Also, did you replace your lost bladderwort mother plants from last year?

Answer
Yes, that's an appropriate substitute.  We also have them in our Sarracenia pools.

We're hoping to offer bladderworts again this year, as long as we can keep the frogs from laying their eggs in our pools.  Those tadpoles devoured nearly all of our collection!

Good growing!
Jacob Farin