Birds are an enjoyable part of a garden.Birds are attracted to a birdbath.While watching the birds can bring a lot of joy, sometimes small worms can ruin the fun.You can prevent and get rid of small worms by maintaining the birdbath.
Step 1: The setup should be natural.
Setting up the birdbath in a natural way will attract birds and keep it clean.Sand, branches, and stones can be added.Birds will be able to stand, drink, and bathe easily.The birds can walk if sand or stones are put at the bottom of the bath.It's important to make sure your branches are fresh.The bath should have a shallow end or sloped sides.Don't overload the bath with too many features.
Step 2: The birdbath should be placed in the shade.
You can put your birdbath near trees or shrubs.The shade helps keep the water fresh.Birds can't fly when they're wet, so it will protect them.The birdbath should be kept in a shady area.
Step 3: There is a water feature.
The growth of parasites can be deterred by moving or rippling water.Purchase a water feature to increase the birds' enjoyment.The feature that ripples the water or drips it into the bath can be purchased.A feature can be made by punching a small hole in the bottom of a container.Hang it above the birdbath to allow it to get into the basin.You can change out the water in the birdbath whenever you want.
Step 4: The water should be filled as necessary.
Birds travel a long distance for water.You can keep a clean source of water in your birdbath by refilling it regularly.Don't fill the birdbath.You want it to look like a puddle.The birds will flap their wings if there is enough water in the water.The water needs to be fresh and cool.It's a good idea to rinse the birdbath before refilling it.
Step 5: Solid material should be removed.
If you see dead leaves in the birdbath, take them out.It protects the health of your birds by keeping the water fresh.Remove any solid material like leaves, food, or bird droppings.If you find bird droppings, consider a more thorough cleaning.If you see anything, wipe it away.If you want to keep the water from freezing, take out ice in the winter.
Step 6: It's a good idea to clean the bath weekly.
It is important that birds have access to clean water.Dump the water and clean the birdbath at least once a week.Small worms can be prevented by this.The water should be dumped in a gutter so that it doesn't attract insects.You can mix chlorine bleach and water to make a cleaning solution.If you want to kill parasites, scrub the birdbath with the mixture.The birdbath should be washed completely.It is a good idea to dry it in the sun before refilling it.
Step 7: Pay attention to the water.
Every day you should check your birdbath.This can help you identify small worms, which are often mosquito larvae, before they become a problem.Check the worms color.There are worms that are dark brown, grey, or black.They could be up to 12 inch in length.The insect breeding cycle can be disrupted by changing the water weekly.
Step 8: The birdbath should be scrubbed down.
If you find worms, empty the water into a gutter or someplace that can't sit.The chlorine mixture can be used to scrub the birdbath.You can use hot water.This could help kill the worms.If you want to kill and remove the worms, you should scrub the birdbath twice.Before refilling the birdbath, allow it to dry completely.Before you refill the bath, make sure you remove all the worms.
Step 9: A larvicide can be used.
Larvicide treatments can kill parasites.If you detect worms, place one of these products in your birdbath.Purchase larvicides at pet stores.If you want to kill the worms, use either Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis or methoprene.These are called Mosquito Dunks, Mosquito Quick Kill Granules, or PreStrike Granule.Follow the instructions in the package.In the birdbath, use no more than 12 granules of larvicide.
Step 10: You can catch worms with a dipper.
Remove the worms with a long-handled dipper if you can see them.It can get rid of worms without using chemical treatments.When using the dipper, avoid leaning over the birdbath.The worms dive deeper into the water when the light changes.The dipper or net should have small openings so the worms can't escape.