Photo: Pixabay / Pexels
Found this helpful? Share it!
Our team tests gardening tools, planters, and outdoor equipment so you don't have to. Every recommendation is based on real research: customer reviews, expert opinions, and value for money. Learn more about us →
When evaluating Best Summit Chemical Co 117, the key factors to consider are build quality, long-term durability, and whether it genuinely solves the problem it claims to address.
Summit Chemical's CO 117-6 30oz — better known as Summit Mosquito Bits — has rocketed to the top of Amazon's gardening best-seller charts this season, and it's not a fluke: a wet spring followed by early heat has triggered one of the worst mosquito and fungus gnat surges in years. Add in the houseplant community discovering that these granules obliterate fungus gnat larvae in potting soil, and demand has spiked hard enough that the 30oz size regularly slips in and out of stock.
Standing water from heavy spring rain plus above-average temperatures means mosquito larvae are hatching weeks ahead of the usual schedule in much of the U.S. Mosquito Bits use Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring soil bacterium that kills larvae in water within 24 hours — before they ever become biting adults. Homeowners are realizing it's cheaper and more effective to kill mosquitoes in the water than to spray for them in the air.
Plant communities on Reddit, TikTok, and YouTube have made Mosquito Bits the go-to fix for fungus gnats in indoor potting mix. The method — steeping the granules in water and using it to bottom-water houseplants — kills gnat larvae in the soil without harming the plant. That crossover demand from indoor gardeners is a big reason the 30oz jug keeps selling out.
Shoppers who bought the smaller 8oz shaker last year are upgrading. A little goes a long way (roughly 1 teaspoon per 25 sq ft of water surface), so the 30oz container covers a full season of birdbaths, rain barrels, ponds, gutters, and plant trays without repeat orders — which matters when restocks are unpredictable mid-summer.
This is the one that earned the best-seller badge, and it deserves it. The 30oz shaker-top jug delivers fast-acting Bti granules that kill mosquito larvae within 24 hours and knock out fungus gnat larvae in houseplant soil within a week or two of consistent use. It's OMRI-listed for organic gardening, won't harm fish, pets, birds, or pollinators when used per label, and treats a huge amount of area for the price.
What we like:
What to know: It kills larvae, not adult mosquitoes, so results build over 1–2 weeks as the existing adult population dies off. Reapply every 7–14 days during peak season and after heavy rain.
Check current price and stock on Amazon →
If you have a birdbath, rain barrel, pond, low spot that puddles, or neighbors with untreated standing water, this is the highest-leverage thing you can buy. Treating breeding sites cuts the population at the source instead of fighting adults with sprays every weekend.
Anyone with more than a handful of houseplants knows the gnat cycle. Steep a few tablespoons of Bits in a gallon of water for 30 minutes, strain, and water your plants with it. Repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks and you break the life cycle completely — no sticky traps required.
If you've avoided mosquito control because you didn't want chemicals near your vegetable beds, chickens, dogs, or pollinator plantings, Bti is the answer. It's OMRI-listed and specifically targets larvae in the fly family, leaving bees, ladybugs, and earthworms alone.
Mosquito larvae stop feeding within hours and die within 24 hours of application. However, adult mosquitoes already flying around live another 1–2 weeks, so plan on about two weeks before you notice a real drop in biting. For fungus gnats, expect noticeable improvement after the second weekly watering, with full control in 3–4 weeks.
Yes, when used according to the label. Bti only affects the larvae of mosquitoes, fungus gnats, and black flies — it has no toxicity to fish, birds, pets, livestock, or humans, and it's approved for organic gardening. You can treat birdbaths, koi ponds, chicken waterers' surroundings, and edible garden beds without a harvest waiting period.
Buy Bits (this product) if you want fast knockdown, need to treat many small water sources, or are dealing with houseplant fungus gnats. Buy Dunks if you have a single large, permanent water feature you'd rather treat once a month. The most effective approach for a bad season is Bits for the initial knockdown, then Dunks for long-term maintenance in permanent water.
Mosquito season is peaking early, fungus gnat complaints are climbing, and the 30oz Summit Mosquito Bits jug is the single best-value tool for both problems. Stock on the large size has been tightening every few weeks — if you wait until you're already covered in bites, you'll likely be paying more for a smaller container.
Check today's price on the Summit Chemical CO 117-6 30oz on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
← Back to All ReviewsYes, Summit Chemical Co 117 is formulated to be safe for use on edible crops when applied according to label directions. However, you should always follow the specific waiting period before harvest as indicated on the product label to ensure food safety.
Summit Chemical Co 117 is effective against a wide range of garden pests including aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, scale insects, and mealybugs. It works as a horticultural oil that suffocates soft-bodied insects and disrupts their life cycles.
Most applications should be spaced 7-14 days apart depending on pest pressure and weather conditions, with the 30oz bottle typically treating around 5-10 gallons of mixed spray. Always check the product label for specific reapplication intervals and maximum applications per season.
Summit Chemical Co 117 works best when temperatures are between 50-85°F, as cold weather reduces effectiveness and extreme heat can damage plants. Avoid spraying during peak sun hours and never apply when temperatures exceed 90°F or when frost is expected within 48 hours.
| Retailer | Price Range | Shipping | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Check Current Price | Free (Prime) | View on Amazon → |
| Walmart | Check Site | Free over $35 | Search → |
| Target | Check Site | Free over $35 | Search → |
Prices may vary. Click through to each retailer for current pricing.