What is the difference between regular Bluegill and Hybrid Bluegill?

Dan – Toldeo, OH

Ask any thoroughbred Bluegill, and they’ll tell you there’s a huge difference. But the truth is, a Hybrid Bluegill is simply a cross between a Male Bluegill and a Female Sunfish. As it turns out, that combination produces a population that’s between 80% and 90% male.

There are effects of a predominantly male population. First – and most important – it slows down reproduction, which in turn prevents overpopulation. If left to their own devices, regular, non-hybrid Bluegills reproduce very quickly. Left unchecked, this means overcrowding – and all the negative ramifications that come with it. Also, with a predominantly male population, there’s also a natural tendency for fish not to ask directions. Fortunately, in a small, backyard pond, there’s really nowhere to get lost.

There are, however, some drawbacks to stocking your pond with hybrid Bluegills alone. Because reproduction is slower, natural cycles and predator fish may result in dwindling fish populations over time. In those situations, restocking with additional Bluegills and/or other feeder fish like minnows may be required every few years.

But for many ponds, hybrid Bluegills are an exceptional choice. Once they arrive, however, it’s important to make them feel welcome. We strongly recommend the use of Game Fish Food to satisfy hearty appetites. And for both predator protection and shade from the summer sun, our Fish Attractor Spheres are the perfect complement to your pond’s natural habitat.

Pond Talk: What type of bluegill do you stock in your pond?

A Cure For The Itch

A great way to spend your evenings at home is to sit out in your yard and enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery. It is nothing short of maddening to be chased back into your home by hundreds of swarming mosquitoes buzzing around your head and painfully biting your arms, neck, and legs. You can use citronella candles and bug spray to keep them at bay but you’ll have much more luck if you treat the source directly.

Mosquitoes use stagnant water as a breeding ground to produce millions of larvae. You may not be able to dry up every rain puddle around your home but by cleaning removing junk items and treating areas where water pools in your yard, you can greatly reduce the number if mosquitoes that multiply there.

Running an Aeration System in your pond will create constant motion and break the waters surface tension, which makes your pond an almost impossible breeding ground. You can apply Mosquito Bits to small water bodies or areas that only temporarily accumulate water to kill mosquito larvae. For long term results or to treat large water bodies use Mosquito Dunks. Both products are safe for your pets, fish, and plants as well yourself. The only types of water bodies you do not want to treat with Mosquito Bits or Dunks are those that are used specifically for household human consumption. You can re-apply mosquito bits ever 7 to 14 days to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Try to be thorough in your search for potential breeding locations and try to clean and maintain them as necessary, common areas like your house gutters and buckets hold water that mosquitoes use to multiply. Keeping your yard neatly trimmed and clutter free will reduce the number of mosquito bites you’ll get this season so you can actually stay outside and enjoy your handy-work.

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?