At this time of year, the mosquito infestations are peaking. SOLitude Lake Management, an industry leader in lake and pond management, fisheries management and related environmental services for the mid-Atlantic and surrounding states, recommends the following natural and ecologically sustainable preventative and proactive measures to homeowners, landowners and home owner’s associations, and municipalities.
- Eliminate standing water in artificial containers including flower pots, buckets, corrugated drainage hoses, or even hollowed tree stumps. This is the environment that the Asian Tiger Mosquito, which is the carrier of the West Nile virus among other diseases, likes to breed. This insect has only a 200 yard flying radius, therefore infestations many times can be positively effected in the surrounding environment.
- Create water flow in larger aquatic environments such as lakes, ponds and stormwater basins with aeration. Mosquitoes breed in warm stagnant water therefore the addition of an aerator or fountain will keep the water circulating and eliminate an environment that mosquitoes would consider for breeding.
- Stock fish that feed on mosquito larvae in lakes, ponds and stormwater basins. There are many fish that can be added by a fisheries professional that will naturally feed on the larvae and therefore reduce the number of surviving adult mosquitoes. Consider stocking minnows annually in your ponds to ensure there are sufficient quantities to achieve good results.
- Plant vegetation that attracts dragonflies. Dragonflies feed on mosquito larvae and also adults. Studies have shown that a single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes a day. Sedges, rushes, lilies, and native grasses and wildflowers are some to consider to attract dragonflies for their breeding and feeding on mosquito larvae.
- Biological larvicides can also be an excellent way to control mosquitoes. These naturally occurring beneficial bacteria inhibit the viability of mosquito larvae, and pose no known risks to the environment when applied at the proper rates. Usually this type of treatment will last around a month per application and can be used throughout the breeding season to achieve year-round mosquito control.
Since 1998, SOLitude Lake Management has been committed to providing full service lake and pond management services that improve water quality, preserve natural resources, and reduce our environmental footprint. Our services include lake, pond and fisheries management programs, algae and aquatic weed control, installation of fountains and aeration systems, water quality testing and restoration, bathymetry, lake vegetation studies, habitat assessments and nuisance wildlife management. We are the second largest distributor of AquaMaster fountains and aerators internationally and in the U.S. Lake and pond management services are available in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey & New York. Fisheries management consulting and aquatic products are available nationwide. Learn more about SOLitude Lake Management and purchase products atwww.solitudelakemanagement.com.