Picture of a Mosquito Close Up.

Pond & Lake Q & A

Q: I get a lot of mosquitoes. Are they coming from my pond? Is there anything I can do you to do to get rid of them? – Wendy of Ohio

A: There nothing worse than getting attacked and annoyed by mosquitoes. It’s hard to sit back and relax by the pond when swatting at mosquitoes! Well, like most topics I write about, I always like to start with the cause of your problem first.

What Causes Mosquitoes: Two words: Stagnant water. That’s right, any stagnant or standing water can be come a breeding ground for mosquitoes. And unlike the last few years, most of the country has had a wet spring, so expect mosquitoes to be a problem! The majority of your mosquitoes come from low areas, unclean gutters or any where water is allowed to collect and sit stagnate. A pond in most cases is not a great spot for mosquitoes to breed, especially if there is an aeration system or fountain
present. The constant ripples caused by an aeration system or fountain will make it very difficult if not impossible for mosquitoes to breed. Although, however, if your pond shorelines become overgrown with cattails or other emergent plants, they will block the rippling effect from an aeration system or fountain, thus contributing to mosquito growth.

Reducing Mosquitoes:

• Clean your gutters and provide better drainage in low areas. Aerate your pond. (Read More Info on Aeration)
• Treat and remove emergent plants such as cattails that allow water to become stagnant around your shoreline. (Read More Info on Removing Emergents)

Use Mosquito Dunks & Bits to Reduce Mosquitoes:

• Mosquito Dunks are donut shaped and are simply placed on the water’s surface. Each dunk can treat 100 sq. ft.. Dunks are great for small ponds, water gardens and birdbaths.
• Mosquito Bits are recommended for a pond or lake. You just simply sprinkle the bits around the shoreline or any where the water is still. With Bits you don’t have to treat your entire pond. 1 oz of Mosquito
  Bits will treat up to 125 sq. ft. for 30-days.
• Note: Mosquito Dunks and Bits are not recommended for ponds that are used for drinking.

POND TALK: What do you do to keep mosquitoes at bay?