Garden

[SouthernBee]

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@KingstonsMom wrote:

Here in the southern states (GA), we don't do that.

We have a lot of mosquitoes which lead to heartworm disease, something that we pay for to prevent, and it's not cheap!

The treatment to our pets for heartworm is even worse....they can only treat it with arsenic, very hard on the pet and VERY expensive.

We remove any standing water immediately, even after a heavy rain.....

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@KingstonsMom : I was concerned about the mosquitoes and they have a dog.

[SouthernBee]

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@Snowpuppy wrote:

They are popular up here but our temps keep the mosquitos down.

That said, my township here in podunk passed a resolution about "diverting rainwater'. There is a $500 fine.

I've also read some areas in FL have outlawed them as well.

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@Snowpuppy : Thank you. Haven't thoufgt about city resolutions against this.

[SouthernBee]

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@RedTop wrote:

@SouthernBee 

Growing up we always had rain barrels catching the runoff from our house roof, and the granary roof.  

Catching this water was essential to watering our garden and feeding our hogs, when the creek dried up.   Back in those days no one was concerned about the water being a breeding ground for mosquitoes.  Vet calls were essential for down cows and pigs, but farm people didn't have pets receiving care in the way we care for our cats, dogs, birds, etc. now.

Tractor Supply and Rural King have very nice closed rain barrels now to collect water, and you can add chemical treatment tabs to stop mosquitoes from hatching in the water.   

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@RedTop : Thank you. So true about how times and everything have changed. Rain barrels sounds like a simple solution but so many things to consider.

[drizzellla]

For the past number of years our Sam's Club would sell containers to catch rain water. They had a faucet built into the container so you could drain the water into buckets or use a hose. 

I did not see them this year but must admit I wasn't looking for them. I always thought it was such a good idea. My brother used to collect rain water for his garden. They were in a rural area and relied on well water. And sometimes in summer their well would run low.

[Mz iMac]

I grew up around gardeners & where I live now, we have a community garden.  Never in my 72 yrs have I seen gardeners use a "rain barrel" whatever that is.  Is it an actual barrel?

Pots & pans as well as a mop bucket catches rain water just fine.

[proudlyfromNJ]

@Mz iMac  it's a big bucket. How much rain can you catch in a pot or pan? This collects a sufficient amount to use.

[mac116]

We haven't had much rain at all this spring and summer. 

So little, that we need to water our lawn every other day (restricted to do that more often), and I water my flowers twice a day!  UGH!  My rain barrel would be dry.

[KingstonsMom]

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@SouthernBee wrote:

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@KingstonsMom wrote:

Here in the southern states (GA), we don't do that.

We have a lot of mosquitoes which lead to heartworm disease, something that we pay for to prevent, and it's not cheap!

The treatment to our pets for heartworm is even worse....they can only treat it with arsenic, very hard on the pet and VERY expensive.

We remove any standing water immediately, even after a heavy rain.....

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@KingstonsMom : I was concerned about the mosquitoes and they have a dog.

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@SouthernBee 

Our pets have always been on heartworm preventative, but in spite of that, our Sheltie, Harley. still got heartworms.

As I said, the treatment involves them being in the Vet hospital for 2 weeks, while being treated with arsenic to kill them, they have to be monitored constantly during the arsenic treatment.

Meet Harley.....

[Mz iMac]

@proudlyfromNJ  A couple of 5 qt pots is sufficient. 

My father used pans for "showers."  Then he poured the rain  from the pans into "large spray" bottles.

The complex where I live, the gardeners use stainless steel mop buckets & 5 qt pots.

[TheMemphisVette]

Q has one.  only 40 gallons

https://www.qvc.com/Mayne-Madison-Rain-Catcher.product.H372582.html?sc=SRCH

How to Keep Your Rain Barrels Free of Mosquitoes

1. Liquid Dish Soap. Use one tablespoon once a week or after each storm. The soap creates a film on the surface of the water, breaking the surface tension
2. Mosquito Dunks. Use one 1 dunk once a month or as needed. ...
3. Vegetable Oil. Use ¼ cup once a week or after each storm.