How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Ponds

Still water breeds mosquito larva.

A backyard pond is not only an attractive landscaping feature, but also a peaceful place to relax and observe nature. However, if the pond is self contained and has no water flowing into it, the water can stagnate and breed mosquitoes. Swarming mosquitoes are not only pests, but they also pose health risks to both humans and pets. Luckily, there is a variety of ways you can get rid of the mosquito population and get back to enjoying your pond.

Things You'll Need

• Pond skimmer
• Pond aerator or fountain
• Top feeding minnows, large mouth bass or blue gill fish
• Larvicide
• Mosquito machine (optional)

Instructions

1. Clean off organic debris such as leaves and pine straw regularly since mosquitoes eat these as a food source. Long-handled skimmer nets are ideal for this since they scoop up the matter as it floats. Clean the pond at least once per week and two or more times a week in the fall when leaves start dropping. Deposit the collected material away from the pond.

2. Install a mechanical aerator or a fountain in the pond to create ripples and move the water around. While moving water does not kill the existing adult mosquitoes, it prevents them from laying new eggs, which eventually diminishes the population.

3. Stock the pond with fish such as top feeding minnows, large mouth bass and blue gill which eat mosquito larva and eggs. These fish are available from hatcheries and fish farms. However remember that the fish will reproduce over time so don't order too many. Consult with the hatchery for the proper number for your size pond.

4. Add a bacteria-based larvicide to the pond to kill any existing mosquito eggs and prevent them from hatching. Look for a larvicide that contains Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, and use only the amount indicated on the packaging. Reapply at the recommended intervals to control the mosquito population.

Tips & Warnings

• The bacteria in the larvicide will not harm pets, humans or fish.

• You can also purchase a mosquito machine which lures mosquitoes into it and kills them. These are effective, but are expensive and you must still properly maintain the pond.

References

• Purdue University; Management of Ponds, Wetlands, and Other Water Reservoirs to Minimize Mosquitoes; Brent Ladd et.al.; June 2003
• Rittenhouse: Bugged? Here's how to Get Rid of Mosquitoes