Mosquito Control Systems

Mosquitos, gnats, and midges can become a serious problem around lakes and ponds. These problems can include mosquito bites, general disturbance of your peace and quiet when outside, spread of disease, and – in the case of mass hatching of gnats and midges, including the so-called “blind mosquito” – the soiling and staining of boats, docks, homes, and other structures as a result of millions of organisms dying and leaving fecal material on every surface.

: Tiger Mosquito

: Swarms of mosquitos hatching en mass from a pond.

Unfortunately, the origin of most of these problems occurs right in your lake or pond because the life cycle includes an aquatic phase wherein eggs hatch into larvae, which inhabit the bottom of the body of water and other underwater places that provide a habitat for the larvae before they hatch into adults. Lakes and ponds that have heavy amounts of weeds and algae provide an additional habitat for these pesky creatures, as does the layer of muck and organic debris that exists on the bottom of typically high-nutrient lakes and ponds. Fortunately, The Lake Doctors, Inc. can help with mosquito, gnat, and midge issues in several different ways.

Mosquito Prevention

: Sometimes even the predators can get mosquito bites!

: Small surface aerators can be used to help control mosquitos.

: DA1B system designed for ponds up to ½ acre.

These insects thrive in stagnant water and do not do well when water movement is present. Therefore, the addition of an aerating fountain or an aeration system using a bottom-diffuser (think aquarium air stone aeration) can be very effective in greatly reducing the numbers of larvae. Small bottom-diffuser aeration systems include post-mounted air compressors, air hoses, and a bottom diffuser. These are very effective in water quality improvement and the control of insect larvae and reduction of bottom muck.

A variety of mosquito prevention products can also be used to control the insect larvae living in your lake or pond. One of the most effective and environmentally benign products utilizes a harmless bacteria known as Bacillus thuringiensis, which, when ingested by the mosquito larvae, makes them sick and die. This beneficial bacteria does not affect any other organisms than the ones targeted. Periodic applications can be scheduled during the mosquito season to help dramatically reduce the numbers of larvae.

Natural Mosquito Control

Mosquito on Leaf Another sustainable, inexpensive, and environmentally sensitive means of helping to control mosquito, gnat, and midge larvae is the stocking of a small minnow that looks much like a guppy called gambusia, otherwise known as mosquitofish. These are typically stocked in the hundreds or the thousands and function to eat inspect larvae, one of their favorite foods. In turn, the gambusia reproduce and become an important part of the food chain, helping to sustain the growth of gamefish like bass.

Mosquito Pond Treatment

Other fish can also be effective in controlling mosquito larvae, such as bluegill and catfish. The Lake Doctors, Inc. also stocks these types of fish, but our stocking of these fish is more seasonal as they are typically stocked in the spring as small fingerlings. Contact The Lake Doctors, Inc. today for a prescription to solve or prevent issues with mosquitos, gnats, and midges!