Mosquito Dunks Causing High TDS and Trap Deformities in Flytraps

A grower used whole mosquito dunk rings in small water trays. Larvae died, but new traps turned black before fully forming. TDS jumped to upper 100s ppm. Water is rain/distilled (<10 ppm).

Cause and Fix

A whole ring treats a small pond – far too much for a tray. Use only a quarter ring. Dunks may contain calcium carbonate or other minerals that raise TDS. High TDS causes trap deformation. Change water, use smaller dunk pieces, and monitor TDS. Heat alone is unlikely the cause unless pots overheat.