Bromeliads are a medium-sized flowering plant. They collect water and are the source of many mosquito infestations around Bermuda. Vector Control Foreman Graham Vanderpool admitted that his department is at loggerheads with the Botanical Gardens and the Parks Department to stop planting the flowers on public grounds.

“In 1941 when the army were here they (the bromeliads) were outlawed because the soldiers came down with so much disease,” said Mr. Vanderpool.

“Although they have a beautiful flower we strongly advise people not to plant them,” he said.

One local gardener said she’s managed to strike a deal with the officers in a bid to keep her plants. She said she used to have many but agreed to cut back to a number she can easily police. She has about a dozen and puts soap in the water that collects in the centre of the plant. “Sometimes I use bleach, but most of the time soapy water. It keeps the mosquitoes away and doesn’t hurt the plant in any way,” she said. “The only downside is that the toads loved to sit in them (the bromeliads) and now they can’t.”

The gardener, who didn’t want to be named, said Vector Control Officers regularly visit her property and test for mosquito eggs in the plants. “They haven’t found any, so it’s really working well,” she said.

Photo by Cathy Stovell.

Mosquito breeding haven: Bromeliads are beautiful long lasting large waxy flowers but the stem of the plant holds water making it ideal for mosquito breeding.

Photo by Cathy Stovell.

Water catcher: The center of Bromeliad plants can contain a lot of rain water. One local gardner prtevents her plants from becomming a breeding ground for mosquitoes by adding some soap or bleach to the water.

Photo by Cathy Stovell.

Water catcher: The center of Bromeliad plants can contain a lot of rain water. One local gardner prtevents her plants from becomming a breeding ground for mosquitoes by adding some soap or bleach to the water.

Frog Lane: Toads love to hang out in the water at the centre of Bromeliad plants. But the water attracts mosquitoes. Adding a bit of dishwashing liquid spoils the attraction for mosquitoes, and sadly also for the frogs.