Mosquito Control for Ponds
Ponds are a beautiful addition to any backyard or garden. But, if you have a pond on your property, mosquitos will flock to it. To keep your pond from being infested by mosquitos, make an effort to engage in mosquito control for ponds.
What Are Mosquitos?
Few people have never seen a mosquito, but you may have never actually asked, “what is a mosquito?” Mosquitos are incredibly common flying insects that live all over the world. They are known to bite people and animals to drain their blood. Not all mosquitos bite people and animals. Unfortunately, the ones that do will leave a bite that often becomes itchy and swollen.
Mosquitos can also be vectors of pathogens. The germs that mosquitos spread can easily make you sick. However, some mosquitos bite but don’t spread germs. These mosquitos are known as nuisance mosquitos.
DIY Methods
Call the professionals if your DIY home mosquito control methods are ineffective. OMNIS Pest Control has years of experience removing mosquitos from Colorado properties. First, before you give us a call, try some of the following mosquito control methods.
Keep Water In Motion
Mosquitos often lay their eggs in water. However, they prefer still water because water with no current creates an environment that won’t damage the eggs. Mosquito eggs are generally unable to survive in water with a current. This means you can deter mosquitos by adding an electric aeration pump or fountain that creates motion in the water.
Having increased aeration in your pond will keep mosquitos from breeding, but there is another benefit too. By aerating your pond, you encourage a healthier overall environment that can be more welcoming to other wildlife, like fish and vegetation.
Limit Algae Growth
Mosquito larvae need food sources when they hatch. Unfortunately, ponds grow thick with layers of algae, an excellent food source for developing mosquitos. To keep mosquito populations at a minimum, you should limit the volume of algae allowed to grow in your pond. Algae control is an effective method of mosquito control for ponds, and it can make your pond look cleaner. Low algae increase your pond’s aesthetic appeal and make it safer for you, your family, and your guests.
To eliminate algae, you can use a pond algaecide. These chemical solutions get rid of organic matter within your pond. If you don’t want to apply the solution yourself, have OMNIS pest control get your algae under control.
Add Fish To Your Pond
Some fish prefer feeding on mosquito larvae. If you add these critters to your pond, they will help keep mosquito populations under control. Some common mosquito-eaters include killifishes, topminnows, and tadpoles. The presence of these aquatic animals can put a massive dent in the larvae and pupae populations of your pond. Unfortunately, though, one commonly used animal, the mosquitofish, isn’t suggested. These fish are said to eliminate mosquitos, but they aren’t as effective as the name implies. We recommend that you check with OMNIS pest control to find species of fish that will eat mosquito larvae and pupae without threatening other species in your pond.
Apply Wildlife-Friendly Insecticide
Sometimes insecticides can help with mosquito control for ponds. Although, you don’t want to use pesticides that harm other wildlife that calls your pond home. Chemical insecticides are the most likely to cause harm to other wildlife, so avoid those. Instead, use bacterial insecticides. These products kill mosquito larvae but don’t harm birds, fish, or other wildlife. In general, you should use anything that contains Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI).
Are you having trouble choosing a bacterial insecticide? Call OMNIS Pest Control to set you up with full-scale mosquito control for ponds.
Remove Local Vegetation
Adult mosquitos thrive in areas that are full of moist plant life. So the lush vegetation surrounding ponds may attract these unwanted pests. Therefore, we recommend trimming the area surrounding your pond to limit mosquito populations. If you do, mosquitoes will be less likely to spend time near your pond. In addition, this limits their opportunities to lay eggs in it. To get the most out of this form of mosquito control for ponds, regularly trim overgrown vegetation, remove weeds, and remove dead plant matter.
Invite Wildlife To Your Property
Fish aren’t your only option for biological mosquito control for ponds. You can also invite other predators to the area. For example, bats, dragonflies, and many other animals eat mosquitos. If you create a suitable environment for these critters, they may hang around and feed on local mosquitos. Wildlife enthusiasts may also enjoy the aesthetic of these beautiful creatures. Adding native species to your yard can make your property more inviting and aesthetically pleasing.
Control Mosquitos On Your Property
Although your pond may be the primary breeding ground for mosquitos on your property, they could also be breeding in other areas. Therefore, if you make an effort to keep mosquito populations down across your entire property, there will be fewer of them to breed in your pond. To do this, eliminate standing water whenever possible and eradicate mosquitos whenever you find them. A variety of mosquito repellent products will help in this effort. Ask an OMNIS associate for recommendations during your next inspection.
Eco-Friendly Pond Treatments For Mosquitos
Mosquito treatment is typically an integrated effort that involves the reduction of mosquito populations combined with the use of chemical control products. While we can’t eliminate the water source, we can eradicate favorable conditions for mosquito breeding. This eliminates the problem at the source, making it possible to eliminate mosquitos for good.
Professional mosquito control for ponds involves the creation of a mosquito treatment plan designed to address the mosquito problem on your property. Of course, a big part of this is identifying the type of mosquito you are coming from. Then, making recommendations for source reduction. Source reduction involves:
- Locating where the mosquitos are coming from
- Keeping them away from your property
- Eliminating hiding spots
- Treating vegetation
- Treating the water
- Preventing eggs from hatching
Extra Help With Mosquito Control For Ponds
Suppose you are having trouble getting a handle on mosquito control for ponds. In that case, a pest control professional can help streamline the process. First, you’ll need to schedule a pest inspection. During the inspection, a pest control technician will assess the state of your mosquito infestation. Then, they will provide suggestions of what to do to remedy the issue.
There’s no obligation when you schedule a free inspection, so why not call now? You can reach OMNIS Pest Control at (720) 583-4126.
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