|
|
The effect of ponds on insect populations
|
A properly aerated water feature will not attract harmful or annoying insects and in nearly all cases, will actuall reduce the number
of moquitos and destructive beetles in the surrounding area.
Much of the following was taken from the Perdue University article
Management of Ponds, Wetlands and Other Water Reservoirs to Minimize Mosquitoes.
Key Factors in Ponds that Reduce and Destroy Mosquito Larvae are;
Fish and aquatic insects
Surface wave action
Disturbance from rainfall
A balanced pond ecosystem
Ecologically stable ponds normally do not produce problem mosquito populations because the natural factors of fish predation and
surface wave action tend to kill mosquito larvae. Ponds stocked with fish, such as Large Mouth Bass and Blue Gill, will greatly
reduce or eliminate mosquito larvae.
Natural and synthetic filtration including ultraviolet filtration, bio-media and beneficial bacteria and also assist in the
control of mosquito and harmful insect populations as these insects are generally attracted to surface water and will breed in such.
Prior to hatching, most or all of the larvae will have been filtered, killed or injested by predatory fish.
Ponds receiving excess nutrients can favor algae blooms and submersed aquatic vegetation. This situation can lead to increased
mosquito egg laying in these ponds and pools due to excess plant cover, providing the larvae with protection from predators,
wave action, and rainfall. Mosquito larvae also feed on organic debris in water. These problem ponds need to be addressed by
restoring the ponds with aeration.
Man-made ponds should run for the majority of the day or constantly until the temperature consistently remains below 50°F. These
ponds and water features must stay cleared of overgrowth of vegetation like lillies, water hyacinth and water lettuce to reduce an
insects opportunity to breed in stagnant or still water areas.
|
Please call for an appointment.
Ponds and Waterfalls
5-A Janet St. Rochester, NH 03867
ph. 603-509-2852 fax. 603-994-0003
e-mail
|
|
