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<< Previous   of   Next >> Photo courtesy of Summit Chemical  (click to enlarge) Mosquito Dunks   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Thursday, July 10, 2008 Home front: Mosquito wars What: In June, the Washington State Department of Health warned residents of the mosquito-spread West Nile virus, noting some animals in Yakima County tested positive last year for the potentially deadly virus. With that in mind, Mosquito Dunks may appeal to anyone with a small pond, fountain or birdbath -- the type of object that holds standing water, providing a breeding ground for insects. Basically, Mosquito Dunks kill mosquito larva before the insects can bug you. Advantages: Mosquito Dunks release an active chemical for 30 days or longer under normal conditions, outlasting a mosquito generation, which runs from one to two weeks, according to manufacturer Summit Chemical. The dunks float on the water's surface, releasing the larvicide on top of the water, where larva may develop. A single dunk can cover up to 100 square feet of water, while the circular tablets can be broken into pieces to handle smaller pools of water. Limitations: Since the dunks float, they may not look attractive in a small birdbath or picturesque pond. Also, press materials say the active ingredient in Mosquito Dunks -- a chemical that abbreviates to Bti -- is harmless to other living things, but warnings on the side of the package note that the product causes moderate eye irritation and should not be put in water intended for human consumption -- hardly inspiring confidence. Where: Some garden and hardware stores or online at Amazon.com Learn more: www.summitchemical.com Cost: Discounted to $9 for a six-pack at Amazon.com Text by Andy Rathbun

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