How do I keep mosquitoes, etc. out of my rainwaiter I'm catching to water my flowers with when it's dry?

I'm catching rainwater in a clean plastic 55 gal drum. It's already half full and will be great to water my plants with rainwater when it's dry. What can I add to the water that won't hurt my plants and will keep mosquitoes from living in it? I've heard bleach, some kind of oil but I forget what. Something that keeps the bugs from breeding in it but will not hurt plants. Thank you. I need to know something for sure so please don't just guess.

How do I keep mosquitoes, etc. out of my rainwaiter I'm catching to water my flowers with when it's dry?
Well, how about minnows. They eat the mosquito, wont hurt plants, are totally natural, and in expensive.
Reply:I also think the olive oil idea is good and am going to try it in a separate container of rainwater. Thanks for whoever put that answer out there too. Report It

Reply:ADD JUST ALITTLE BLEACH, JUST A SMALL AMOUNT, WONT HURT
Reply:You have to keep it covered, if not add som feeder goldfish.
Reply:For the most natural - no chemical way to stop


mosquitos from laying their larvae in the water


pour A thin layer of olive oil on the surface.





The oil floats on the top of the water ,when the


mosquito lands to deposit her eggs she will


get stuck in the oil and be unable to lay the eggs.





PS The olive oil contains nutrients and will


not harm your plants (flowers or veggies)
Reply:It does not take much to kill the larva. You can use any oil you use for cooking. You can also put a few drops of liquid soap in the water. Any thing like oil or soap will not hurt thr plants but will kill the mosquitoe larva by cutting off the air.
Reply:Go to your local lawn and garden center and ask for


"Mosquito Dunks"
Reply:Toss a splash of bleach in the water. It will destroy the mosquito larvae and will not hurt your plants at all.


You will need to do this at least once a week.
Reply:it is safe to use a small amount of chlorine bleach to decrease the stagnation,also a small air line pumping air ,





(n old fish tank pump) is good keeping the water fresh the nasty bloodsuckers hate that
Reply:Get a cover for the drum and cover it when the sun is shinning----that should keep them out MOST of the time...I wouldn't put ANY chemical in water I was going to use on plants... ESPECIALLY if any of those plants are veggies that you plan to EAT some day---and chemicals may damage flowering plants....
Reply:You can buy a product that is for ponds that is granules that can be sprinkled in the water and will kill mosquito larvae in the water. They also make larger rings of the same thing that last longer. Both are safe for plants and can be found at Lowes or Home Depot.