The "mosquito pesticide" to which the PPs are referring is Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis). It's a naturally-occurring bacteria that kills mosquito larvae but is nontoxic to animals, birds, and plants. It's approved for use on organic farms.

It comes in granular or cake form. Drop some in anything that collects standing water. Works best if you do the first application early in the spring, then continue throughout mosquito season.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for the recommendations. Wayfair has such a great selection. We are actually using our birdbath as a planter. We don't want to have standing water in our garden as it's part shade and already a home to mosquitoes.

If you're concerned, just use the mosquito bits.

Why would it be good for birds to drink water with 'mosquito pesticide' in it? Are we trying to enjoy the wildlife or kill and torture it?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:watch out for misquitoes

I put mosquito bits in mine at first. But the water evaporates pretty quickly, so it really isn't necessary. It would dry up even quicker if the birds ever actually took a bath in it. So far they just use it to drink from. Still fun watching them.

All you have to do is spray out the old water with the jet setting on your hose nozzle (or, dump it out if that is convenient) sand refill it- every day or at least a few days a week.

We have birds bathing in ours, as well as squirrels, birds and even bees taking drinks.

If it's mostly decorative and the spot where it is placed gets sun, consider this--no problem with mosquito eggs and you'll have an instant fountain:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071CDHRR6/ref=psdc_402303011_t2_B01GO21SQM

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for the recommendations. Wayfair has such a great selection. We are actually using our birdbath as a planter. We don't want to have standing water in our garden as it's part shade and already a home to mosquitoes.

If you're concerned, just use the mosquito bits.

OP here. Thank you for the recommendations. Wayfair has such a great selection. We are actually using our birdbath as a planter. We don't want to have standing water in our garden as it's part shade and already a home to mosquitoes.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:watch out for misquitoes

I put mosquito bits in mine at first. But the water evaporates pretty quickly, so it really isn't necessary. It would dry up even quicker if the birds ever actually took a bath in it. So far they just use it to drink from. Still fun watching them.

This is what I have heard as well, and why I'm reconsidering getting a birdbath.

I got this from Amazon and the birds loved it so much I ordered 3 more. I put a flat stone in the middle for smaller birds to perch and anchor it to the ground with tent pegs. The birds splash out all the water by the end of the day so there is no issue with mosquitoes.

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Choice-Products-Birdbath-Pedestal/dp/B010O5KR4O/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_86_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JTBDWQNGET91W12EMRA3

Anonymous wrote:watch out for misquitoes

I put mosquito bits in mine at first. But the water evaporates pretty quickly, so it really isn't necessary. It would dry up even quicker if the birds ever actually took a bath in it. So far they just use it to drink from. Still fun watching them.

watch out for misquitoes

I got mine from Wayfair.

I just got this--very classic and looks like it has been there forever. I like the open legs but you can order it with a stand. They are handmade in California. Customer service is great.

https://dsgardenshop.com/product/iron-stone-braided-birdbath/

Warning: Shipping is expensive but fair given the weight. Since these are handmade it can take two to three weeks to receive.

oops posted too soon. Can anyone recommend a place online where I can find a unique birdbath?

That's nice.

I want to add some interest to the garden and would like to add a birdbath.