Home and Garden

4 Common Pond-Related Questions: Do They Attract Mosquitoes?

Waterfront property is usually highly desirable, unless the property is near a pond that is muddled with algae, milfoil, mosquitos, and other problems. Fortunately, there are solutions that can turn a troublesome pond into a lovely body of water.

Ponds often have common problems, and some can be solved by milfoil removal performed by certified divers. Others need different solutions. These are four common pond-related questions:

  1. Do ponds attract mosquitoes?

Ponds can attract mosquitoes, especially if the pond has still water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in dark, still water. Then, the eggs float on the surface for about two days, then they become larva that stays in the water for about 10 more days. Finally, the larva becomes a pupa that floats for two more days on the water. It takes about 14 days before the egg becomes a full-fledged mosquito, but still water is required.

One way to keep mosquitoes out of your pond is to keep the water moving. Some people install fountains. Another is to add fish that love to eat mosquitoes like guppies or goldfish. To keep mosquitoes away, be sure that plants are fully submerged, and that all nearby standing water is removed.

  1. Can milfoil be removed?

Milfoil is an invasive species that is commonly found in freshwater around the United States. While you can put an aquatic herbicide into the water, you run the risk of adding toxins to the water. The safest way to remove milfoil is to hire certified divers to remove it. They pull the weeds out by the roots and dispose of them in an environmentally friendly way.

  1. How do I get rid of algae?

Algae blooms for a variety of reasons, but usually it is due to an overload of nutrients in the water. This usually happens when sewage or animal waste overloads ponds. The best way to manage algae is to know what caused it, as different nutrient sources require different treatments. The best way to treat the problem is to remove the source of the algae. So if there is sewage your pond, you have to remove it.

Other solutions include hiring a professional to remove the algae. Some people use aeration systems or circulator to prevent algae from blooming and spreading.. These systems work by increasing oxygen that will breakdown the organic nutrients.

  1. Can we swim in our pond?

Before you jump in your nearby pond, you will want to analyze the water. In lieu of having a test kit, you can also tell visually if a pond is safe for swimming. You will want to avoid swimming in any ponds that are murky and green, as some algae can be harmful for people. You should also trust your nose. If the pond has a foul smell, then you do not want to jump in. Take a look at the wildlife in and around the pond. If there are several dead fish, you will want to stay out of the water, too.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *