Mosquito Management

Some insects may be harmlessly buzzing, but the mosquitoes are likely biting. Lakes and ponds are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can be an issue for those who live or recreate near lakes and ponds. Not only can mosquitoes leave an itchy bite and spread dangerous diseases, but they can also cause water clarity and quality issues if uncontrolled.

It’s bad enough that their eggs hatch into larvae and turn into mosquitoes, but the waste matter left behind by these hatching eggs can build up in ponds and contribute to more sludge and smelly odors as well as an increase in harmful substances such as nitrites and ammonia.

In general, mosquitoes are not harmful to fish unless they affect the water quality of the lake or pond. For instance, mosquitoes can carry bacteria, which may get into ponds and cause issues with the fish that live there. As their eggs hatch and decompose in the lake or pond, it can cause waste to build up and affect the water quality.

Conversely, mosquitoes can pass deadly diseases to many animals and pets. Heartworms, for instance, is a deadly disease that mosquitoes pass to dogs and cats.

Like many animals, humans are susceptible to many mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Malaria, Zika Virus, Dengue Fever, and Yellow Fever – to name a few. Mosquitoes are responsible for more than 1 million deaths each year, making them the deadliest animal in the world.

Although aeration and water flow don’t kill mosquitoes or their larvae, it can keep them from laying eggs in or around ponds or lakes. Water features such as fountains are some of the best aerators and also add to the appeal of the property. The water movement created by a fountain will help lower the chances of mosquitoes laying eggs because it is no longer a safe place for the eggs to develop. Submersed aerators can also help circulate the water column by pumping air at the bottom of the waterbody. As the bubbles rise to the surface, help create turbulence.

When introduced around the perimeter of a lake or pond, beneficial native plants and vegetation can create a habitat that attracts mosquito predators to the area. Deep-rooted, flowering plants and native sedges and rushes are excellent choices with two-fold benefits. In addition to supporting mosquito control efforts, beneficial buffers also help filter sediment and undesirable nutrients before they can enter and pollute the waterbody during rainstorms.

There are many species of fish that feed on mosquito eggs and larvae. For instance, the Eastern Mosquitofish is a native Florida species and a relative of the guppy. They are tough, adaptable, and tolerant of many different water conditions. It is a small fish that lives on the surface of ponds and lakes and preys on mosquito larvae. In addition, the Eastern Mosquitofish has a high rate of reproduction that makes it an essential source of food for birds, larger fish, and other types of wildlife.

Mosquitoes lay approximately 300 eggs during their 1-2 month lifespan. In addition to managing standing water in your lake or pond, it’s also crucial to clear gutters, properly dispose of garbage, and empty outdoor buckets, birdbaths, watering cans, and other containers or outdoor equipment that can hold rainwater. These practices may help limit mosquito breeding grounds in the surrounding area.

One bat can eat as many as 1,000 insects an hour, so imagine the number of mosquitoes a huge bat colony could consume. For instance, one colony in Florida has been calculated to get rid of 50 tons of insects a year, including more than 15 tons of mosquitoes. There are several bat species native to Florida that can easily be attracted by mounting bat boxes on outbuildings or poles in open areas.

If the mosquito population around your lake or pond is out of control and the previous natural methods aren’t making any headway, there are EPA-registered biological larvicides that can be safely applied by licensed experts using backpack sprayers or professional drones. 

In order to be effective, larvicides should be applied on a regular schedule, anywhere from weekly to monthly throughout the spring and summer via ground applications or aerial drone technology. This schedule helps combat new generations of mosquito larvae. These programs go hand in hand with SOLitude’s SOL Pro Plans, which monitor lakes and ponds year-round for lasting success.