Outdoor bird baths and water fountains are a great addition to your garden. Moving water will attract those birds that are not attracted to bird feeders, such as birds that feed on insects so you can increase the range of bird species in your garden. The sounds of moving water are also very relaxing. Bird baths and fountains are fairly easy to keep clean and are low maintenance but you must make sure that you do not encourage mosquitoes to breed in them and keep them clear of algae which can be unsightly and can clog up pumps.
photo credit: hlkljgk
It is best not to use herbicides or the caustic solutions used in pools or spas as they are not good for the birds or for the environment. To prevent the growth of algae and to deter mosquitoes we recommend the use of a specially formulated copper containing solution which is available from pet shops or fish keeping suppliers. These are chelating solutions in which the copper is kept in solution by a chelating agent which can extend the time needed between treatments. These solutions should be used once a week during the summer at the rate of 1 drop for each gallon of water. You might need slightly more if the growth of algae is heavy and you should decrease the frequency during the winter when algae growth is minimal. Copper solutions will also help to deter mosquitoes and other insects from breeding in your bird bath.
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You should clean your bird bath using a 10% dilute solution of bleach. Clean the surface of the bath with this solution and leave to soak for about thirty minutes then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Fill the bird bath then add the copper solution.
Another method for deterring mosquitoes from breeding in your outdoor bird bath is to agitate the water. Bird bath fountains can be used or you can attach a battery or electric powered water wiggler which will keep the water moving. Mosquitoes need still water to land and lay their eggs so will nopt be able to breed if the water is in continuous motion.
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