Sand in bird baths - mosquitos?

Question

I heard recently that you can put sand in the bottom of a birdbath to help keep mosquitoes. Any validity to this?

R.V.R. Farris · Answer

We just empty and clean our birdbaths most everyday. The sand would be poured out if we did that.

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

I do not see how since sand in the bottom could hold just enough water for the mosquitoes to lay eggs. They do not need pools of water to multiply. As R.V.R. states cleaning water everyday is beneficial to the birds and other insects who visit (plus if you lay some rocks in it so the butterflies can land on them and get a drink because they drink droplets)

Barb Rosen · Answer

I would not trust this advice, Tammie. We live near sandy salt marshes that are teeming with mosquitoes! Sure doesn't work there!

AvonelleRed · Answer

It is likely that the sand is used more for aiding the birds in digesting their food than helping to keep the mosquito population down.

John stark · Answer

How about sand paper lol --- I made a funny

April E · Answer

while sand is good for many birds, it does not do anything about mosquitos. but as mentioned above cleaning daily or a tiny fountain to keep the water moving will. eggs cannot hatch in moving water

Yvonne B · Answer

Copper Pennies have seemed to help in our birdbath.

Tammie S · Answer

Yvonne, I like that idea. I have made some penny balls that sit in bird baths. I wonder if there is science behind this? As for washing the baths out daily...to much going on in my life and too many baths. Sometimes there is just rainwater in them and I would like like to not have to worry about the mosquitoes. Also, didn't realize that sand can be good for birds. Interesting. Thanks!

Tammie S · Answer

This looks interesting for baths in the sun. I have a lot of solar lights / solar chandeliers, etc.

Amy Poulton, Hometalk Editor · Answer

I'd recommend mosquito dunks and changing the water every couple of days to interrupt the larvae hatching cycle. More info here: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/pest-repeller/how-to-keep-mosquitoes-away-44423909

Redcatcec · Answer

I don't think the sand will help or harm the birds, after all it is in mud puddles that birds get into.

Janice · Answer

Life is too short to be cleaning out bird baths on a daily basis (IMHO). However, if I had a bird bath, I'd likely clean it every 3-4 days just to ensure I'm not encouraging mosquito larvae to hatch. ...See the article linked below for more info.

https://sunnydazedecor.com/blogs/news/6-simple-tips-to-keep-mosquitoes-out-of-your-bird-bath-or-water-fountain