Bromeliads are a family of plant (Bromeliaceae) that includes thousands of species, with even more varieties and cultivars. These plants are often used as low-maintenance landscaping, but their ease of care may come at a price.

Many mosquito species, including those of public health importance, have been found to use bromeliads as a breeding ground. 

Bromeliads range in size, with some being several feet across. The largest bromeliads can hold upwards to 2 gallons of water! 

There are many species of bromeliads, and not all of them provide a mosquito breeding habitat. The bromeliads of concern are ones that are shaped by layers of waxy leaves which creates a central cup, known as a tank, that allows water to collect and helps the plant retain water during droughts. These particular species are not typically native to Florida.  

However, there are a number of native species that are still low-maintenance and are Florida-friendly. 

Visit UF/IFAS' webpage on Florida Native Bromeliads to learn more. 

Fun fact: Pineapples are a bromeliad, of the family Bromeliaceae. Thankfully, these tasty, tropical treats do not breed mosquitoes. 

Mosquitoes can be grouped by their common breeding habitats. Those that prefer bromeliads fall under the "container" mosquito group. 

These include, but are not limited to, members of the Aedes, Culex, and Wyeomyia genera. Of these, the Aedes and Culex mosquitoes have species that are of human health concern: they are capable of transmitting diseases such as West Nile, zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses. 

Sarasota County Mosquito Management conducts larval sampling in bromeliads and other mosquito breeding habitats. Sampling has increasingly shown that other species are also using bromeliads opportunistically.  

If you want to know if your bromeliads are breeding mosquitoes, all you need is a simple baster or pipette. 

Suction out water from the plant to look for signs of larvae or pupae. Eggs are not always easily distinguishable from other debris. 

Flushing out bromeliads with water may help to a small extent, but there are several things to consider regarding the shape of bromeliads and the target mosquitoes:

• You may not reach the bottom of the axils, where some mosquito species can dive deep into - avoiding the flush.
• Other containers can be scrubbed to remove eggs, but leafy plants cannot be deep-cleaned.
• Using water to flush out plants, if nothing else, introduces new water which mosquitoes and other pests can continue using. 

Some mineral oils can damage plant material and should not be applied to bromeliads as a form of mosquito control. Consult a plant specialist before using mineral oils on any plants, or opt for BTI in water-bearing plants like bromeliads. BTI is proven to be effective, safe, and is non-chemical.