Mosquitoes have been plentiful -- and voracious -- this summer, thanks to heavy rains that have created perfect breeding habitats for the blood-suckers. Now researchers at the University of Illinois may have found a way to reduce future mosquito populations with the help of some native Midwestern plants.
Culex pipiens likes to give its babies a nursery-full of bacteria to eat: and a wide variety of bacteria at that. U of I grad student Allie Gardner led a studyof how leaves from certain shrubs affect mosquito breeding pools. Turns out when the leaves of highly invasive exotic honeysuckle hit water, they create the perfect bacterial soup for mosquitoes: the large variety attracts the egg-layer and there’s enough food to help them grow into strong adults.
On the other hand, when native blackberry leaves fall into water, they create what Gardner calls “an ecological trap.” Mosquitoes are attracted to it and lay lots of eggs: but very few survive to adulthood because it’s a poor food source. She calls the use of blackberry leaves to control mosquito populations “a promising direction.”
Gardner says there’s much more research ahead for her team. It could eventually influence what you choose to plant in your backyard.
Other plants tested in the experiment:
Multiflora Rose -- few eggs were laid and even fewer survived. However, it's a very aggressive invasive and should not be planted.
Autumn Olive -- another invasive species that mosquitoes find a high success rate in breeding.
Elderberry -- native shrub that attracted a lot of mosquito larvae, but few made it to adulthood.
Serviceberry -- few eggs deposited, but a high percentage survived to adulthood
