cistern water

[pgjcbsn]

I have a cistern that collects rainwater and I have to pour gasoline into it to kill the mosquito larve. Can I still use this to water my vegetables?

[opabinia51]

If there is gasoline in the water, I would say no. A healthier alternative may be using neem oil to kill the mosquito larvae. You may wish to do some research to find if Neem does kill the larvae.

We have a thread on Neem Oil in the General Forum (I think). But, I'm thinking that you may wish to look up some other sources on the web.

[Grey]

Most times I've seen a screen over the top of the cistern to keep the mosquitoes out so they cannot lay any eggs.

Unfortunately, as Opa said, petroleum and plants do not mix.

[opabinia51]

Great idea Grey! Use the old tested, tried and true techniques.

[Newt]

Mosquito dunks are Bt and will kill the larvae. You will need to assess how much water and how many dunks, but much safer I would think. Then again, if a screen would do the trick that would be the best idea.

Newt