How to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in my swamp cooler?

Question

Today I decided to clean the water-pump filter of my swamp cooler, and there were a couple of larvae swimming in the water reservoir and some mosquitoes flying over it. I am looking for a way to kill the larvae and prevent the mosquitoes from breeding here in the future.

I can't drain the coolers everyday. It is a tedious chore if done manually. And it wastes a lot of water (around 70 liters per unit). Also I suspect that some puddles will remain in the cooler even after draining.
I can't use bleach or insecticides. The water comes into direct contact with air that people will breathe. I tried bleach a couple of years ago and it gave off a horrid smell.

So what other effective steps can I take to solve this problem? Doing some online research, someone suggested that I should add dish-soap to the water. Will that even work?

Ed Beal · Answer

There are biocide tablets for this specific use, large commercial ac systems use this as mandated by law in most areas.

I would rather be protected from legionaries and mosquitoes and bad smells.
Ours uses CTT-EC , but look up evaporative cooler treatment, you may find out that untreated water is not legal in commercial facilities, and a health hazard.

If it is the law in many areas it is probably a good idea for home use.

blacksmith37 · Answer

BT ( bacillus thurngensis ) will kill insects . It is not a biocide so will not affect animals.It kills anything with an alkaline stomach and has no affect on anything with an acid stomach like an animal. Commonly available at garden shops.I can't imagine a problem in your system. It can be put into ponds as it does not affect fish. It can be sprayed on vegetables right up to harvest and is safe to eat. I expect you would put in the same dose as recommended for a pond of the same volume.

Answered by blacksmith37 on December 27, 2020

How to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in my swamp cooler?

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