Prevent Mosquito-borne Diseases in Your Community

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been top of mind this spring, but as the summer season nears, it brings with it additional virus concerns. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) estimates that mosquito populations will be unusually high this year, putting hundreds of our nation’s communities at critical risk of exposure to West Nile, Zika, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and other deadly viruses.

To help reduce mosquito activity around your property and in your water resources, SOLitude Lake Management recommends the following tips:

Limit mosquito-friendly habitatsFemale mosquitoes lay about 300 eggs during their 6- to 8-week lifespan. Because they favor breeding in standing water, it’s important to clean gutters, pick up garbage, and empty outdoor containers or buckets that can capture water. These efforts will decrease the number of habitats suitable for mosquito reproduction.

Circulate stagnant waterAeration in lakes and stormwater ponds can do more than reduce bad odors and improve stagnant conditions; it can make a waterbody less appealing to breeding mosquitoes, who’s eggs require still water to complete their life cycle. A floating fountain or submersed diffused aeration system can add continuous movement to stagnant waterbodies.

Remove nuisance plantsStagnant inlets in lakes and ponds are attractive to mosquitoes for breeding, but can be better circulated when nuisance and invasive plants are removed. Cattails and Phragmites are common plants responsible for creating stagnant water conditions. A professional lake manager can recommend effective removal methods based on the time of year and species present.

Stock fish that feed on mosquito larvaeAnother affordable and natural solution to reduce mosquito reproduction is strategic fish stocking. Fathead minnows, mosquitofish and bluegill/brim feed on mosquito larvae, making them great candidates for natural mosquito control. Check with an experienced Fisheries Biologist about your state’s specific stocking regulations.

Attract dragonflies with native plantsAnother mosquito predator is the dragonfly, which can feed on hundreds of larvae and full-grown mosquitoes each day. Consider planting beneficial vegetative buffer species like blue flag iris, pickerelweed, arrowhead, spatterdock, lizard’s tail and native grasses to attract predator dragonflies to the area. These plants will also help deter nuisance wildlife and prevent trash from flowing in to the lake or pond.

Integrate sustainable biological larvicidesNatural and preventative methods can make an enormous difference, but disease-carrying populations may still have a presence in your area throughout the summer. A more impactful approach is the professional application of a safe EPA-approved biological larvicide formulated from beneficial bacteria. When utilized as part of an Integrated Mosquito Management program, mosquitoes are targeted through each phase of their life cycle, contributing to long-term prevention.

Mosquitoes are an annoying and dangerous pest, but efforts to reduce their populations are not futile. In addition to implementing strategies that reduce mosquitoes around freshwater ecosystems, it’s critically important to take steps to protect yourself and your family.

When enjoying the outdoors, it should always be top of mind to use mosquito repellent sprays or wear protective clothing, when possible. Natural and professional prevention methods can help protect communities throughout the year without negatively impacting the environment—so you get full enjoyment from your waterbody all summer long. Contact your professional lake or pond manager to learn more.

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Contact the experts at 888-480-5253 for all of your lake, pond, wetland and fisheries management needs. 

SOLitude Lake Management is a nationwide environmental firm committed to providing sustainable solutions that improve water quality, enhance beauty, preserve natural resources and reduce our environmental footprint. SOLitude’s team of aquatic resource management professionals specializes in the development and execution of customized lake, pond, wetland and fisheries management programs that include water quality testing and restoration, nutrient remediation, algae and aquatic weed control, installation and maintenance of fountains and aeration systems, bathymetry, mechanical harvesting and hydro-raking, lake vegetation studies, biological assessments, habitat evaluations, and invasive species management. Services and educational resources are available to clients nationwide, including homeowners associations, multi-family and apartment communities, golf courses, commercial developments, ranches, private landowners, reservoirs, recreational and public lakes, municipalities, drinking water authorities, parks, and state and federal agencies. SOLitude Lake Management is a proud member of the Rentokil Steritech family of companies in North America.