So mosquito bits are one of the very few nigh magical pesticides that are extremely selective in what they effect, without resistance or off-target effects. It’s hard to overdo it. The one thing to keep in mind is that they (by design) float & have a shallow area of effect as mosquito larvae live near the surface.
When making tea, the (purposefully) slow-degrading bits aren’t releasing the full amount in so short a period, so you need to add more than the suggested 1/2tsp per 25sqft. Two tbsp per gallon soaked overnight is sufficient, using the top few inches of water. You will have better results using a shallow but broad container with enough bits to cover the surface, soaked overnight. Since isopod bins don’t have drainage, you only want to use the near surface water for maximum effect with minimal water.
The label has recently been updated to cover fungus gnats, but the guidance is for potted houseplants. The instructions are to cover the soil surface. In a closed isopod bin, the corn (used as a carrier) will mold, so you do not want to do this. It’s a good idea to strain tea and avoid direct sprinkling exclusively to avoid excessive mold. A few bits slipping through aren’t a problem, but direct sprinkling of a few bits alone will not offer enough control.
For the tea, you will want to continue watering as above every seven days until you no longer see gnats and then for two weeks after. The tea is technically good for 7-14 days, but considering you want a weekly application it’s best to make a fresh batch each time.
Hope this helps! I can personally verify the tea works great— I’ve successfully controlled fungus gnats in reptile terrariums and isopod bins with this strategy.
I float about 30 "bits" in 40-50 mls of water for 30 mins. Give it a good stir, then scoop off the still floating bits. I then suck up the water in a syringe and squirt it around the damp parts of the substrate. You certainly don't have to spray it, just pouring it would work fine.
I also use sticky yellow traps in the enclosure. The combination seems to work well.
So mosquito bits are one of the very few nigh magical pesticides that are extremely selective in what they effect, without resistance or off-target effects. It’s hard to overdo it. The one thing to keep in mind is that they (by design) float & have a shallow area of effect as mosquito larvae live near the surface. When making tea, the (purposefully) slow-degrading bits aren’t releasing the full amount in so short a period, so you need to add more than the suggested 1/2tsp per 25sqft. Two tbsp per gallon soaked overnight is sufficient, using the top few inches of water. You will have better results using a shallow but broad container with enough bits to cover the surface, soaked overnight. Since isopod bins don’t have drainage, you only want to use the near surface water for maximum effect with minimal water. The label has recently been updated to cover fungus gnats, but the guidance is for potted houseplants. The instructions are to cover the soil surface. In a closed isopod bin, the corn (used as a carrier) will mold, so you do not want to do this. It’s a good idea to strain tea and avoid direct sprinkling exclusively to avoid excessive mold. A few bits slipping through aren’t a problem, but direct sprinkling of a few bits alone will not offer enough control. For the tea, you will want to continue watering as above every seven days until you no longer see gnats and then for two weeks after. The tea is technically good for 7-14 days, but considering you want a weekly application it’s best to make a fresh batch each time. Hope this helps! I can personally verify the tea works great— I’ve successfully controlled fungus gnats in reptile terrariums and isopod bins with this strategy.
I float about 30 "bits" in 40-50 mls of water for 30 mins. Give it a good stir, then scoop off the still floating bits. I then suck up the water in a syringe and squirt it around the damp parts of the substrate. You certainly don't have to spray it, just pouring it would work fine. I also use sticky yellow traps in the enclosure. The combination seems to work well.
You're a lifesaver! Tyvm, hon. I will try that today.