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Pond Care Articles
Mosquito Farms? Is That What Water Gardens Are?
by: Scottie Johnson
What is nicer that a lovely backyard garden pond. The lush growth rising
above the water, graceful fish darting about and the soothing sound of the
water. These are just a few of the reasons people are drawn to water gardens.
But when you think about adding a water feature to your garden, you are
torn, because you know that a charming pond can also be a mosquito hatchery.
And, everyone is concerned; rightly, about mosquitoes and the diseases they
spread.
It is true, mosquitoes do need water to breed, but at the same time,
there are so many effective ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in ponds,
you should not let that stop you. Water gardeners are in a unique position;
they can have wet spaces that can actually help stop mosquitoes from breeding.
Just a few simple precautions are all you need to feel safe and enjoy
such a wonderful addition to the landscape.
If you have a water garden, or want one, try these suggestions.
* Have moving water in your water garden. Mosquitoes will not lay eggs
in running water. The newly hatched mosquito must rest on the water’s surface
for a few minutes to let its wings dry. If the water is moving, the female
mosquito will not lay eggs there.
* Get some mosquito fish for your pond. Mosquito fish, or gambusia
affinis, are very aggressive predators of mosquito larvae. They are also
aggressive to other fish and will also eat dragonfly larvae, or nymphs. If
mosquito fish are too predatory for your particular tastes, several other
types of fish readily consume mosquito larvae, such as guppies, killifish, and
small goldfish. Koi are too large and will not target the larvae.
* Add Bti to your pond. Bti is a naturally occurring type of bacillus
that is eaten by the mosquito larvae, and rapidly kills them. It is not
harmful to fish, pets, wildlife or humans. It is sold under such names as
Mosquito Dunks, or Mosquito Bits.
* Add dragonfly larvae, or nymphs, to your pond. They are voracious
predators of mosquito larvae, and while the mosquito larvae stay in that stage
for only a few days, the dragonfly nymphs stay in the larval stage for up to
two years, and can prey on many generations of mosquito larvae. And, when they
become adults, the dragonfly feeds on adult mosquitoes too.
* Invite toads into your yard. One toad can consume up to 100 mosquitoes
and slugs per night. They lay their eggs in water, so the pond will attract
them. If happy with its environment, a toad can grace your garden for up to 20
years. And the tadpoles will eat mosquito larvae also.
* As an overall precaution, get a propane powered mosquito trap, such as
the Mosquito Magnet, to reduce the mosquito population in your garden area.
These are the most effective mosquito killers around, and they will capture
(and kill) the mosquitoes that your natural controls miss. With the growing
concern about mosquito diseases, like West Nile virus, malaria, and dengue
fever, it is natural to feel reluctance to add any water source around your
home. With the right precautions, you can beautify your garden and still feel
secure that you are not inviting mosquitoes into your immediate environment.
If water gardening appeals to you, just educate yourself, take the needed
precautions, and get ready to enjoy the beauty and serenity a water feature
adds to your home.
About The Author:
Scottie Johnson is a life long mosquito warrior and freelance author.
For more detailed information about mosquito kill and having a mosquito free
life, please visit her website at www.mosquito-kill-net.com.
Copyright 2004, all rights reserved.
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