How To Prevent Small Worms In Birdbaths 10 Steps With Pictures

Put a little sand or a few stones at the bottom of the bath so the birds can walk. [2] X Research source Make sure your branches are fresh to minimize the risk of parasites or even worms. Make sure the bath has a shallow end or sloped sides. [3] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Avoid overloading the bath with too many features. [4] X Research source

Keeping the birdbath in a shady area may discourage the growth of little worms. [7] X Research source

Purchase a feature that ripples the water or drips it into the bath. [9] X Research source Make a feature by punching a small hole in the bottom of a bucket or plastic container. Hang it above the birdbath so that it can drip into the basin. [10] X Research source Change out the water in the feature whenever you clean or refill the birdbath.

Be sure to not overfill the birdbath. You want it to mimic a puddle. [13] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Put enough water in so that the birds can walk and flap their wings. Make sure the water is cool and fresh. Consider rinsing the birdbath before refilling it.

Scoop out any solid material like leaves, food, or bird droppings. Consider a more thorough cleaning if you find bird droppings since feces can carry parasites. Wipe away any algae you see. [15] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Take out ice in the winter or use a heater to keep water from freezing. [16] X Research source

Dump the water in a gutter so that it doesn’t attract mosquitoes or other insects. Mix one part chlorine bleach and nine parts water to make a cleaning solution. Scrub the birdbath with the mixture to loosen any debris and kill parasites. Rinse the birdbath completely. Consider drying it in the sun before refilling it.

Check the worms’ color. Small worms or larvae can be dark brown, grey, or black. They may be up to ½ inch in length. Changing the water weekly can disrupt the insect breeding cycle. [19] X Research source

Use hot water. This may help kill the worms. Consider scrubbing the birdbath twice to ensure that you kill and remove the worms. Allow the birdbath to dry completely in the sun before refilling it. Reinspect the bath before you refill it to make sure that you’ve removed all of the worms.

Buy larvicides at home or pet stores. Use either Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis or methoprene to kill the worms. These are often sold under the names Mosquito Dunks, Mosquito Quick Kill Granules, or PreStrike Granules. [21] X Research source Follow package instructions on how to use larvicides. [22] X Research source Use no more than 12 granules of larvicide in the birdbath.

Avoid leaning over the birdbath when using the dipper. Changes in light make the worms dive deeper into the water. [24] X Research source Make sure to use a dipper or net that has small openings so that the worms can’t escape.