Keep pond shorelines free of vegetation to get rid of nuisance frogs.
Bullfrogs will migrate by the thousands to find an adequate water supply for survival and reproduction, invading lakes, creeks and streams, ponds, pools, hot tubs, koi ponds, even your birdbath. Frogs in large numbers can be messy, noisy pests. Mosquitoes are another pest that can get out of control in backyard ponds.There are measures you can take to control problem frogs and mosquitoes. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Frogs
1. Keep shorelines of ponds, creeks and streams free of vegetation. Frogs need plants and reeds to hide in. Clear away excess vegetation by hand, or use an herbicide that's safe for aquatic life in case some of it gets into the water.
2. Use a snake repellent around the perimeter of the property, gardens and ponds. Although it is not labeled for use against frogs, snake repellent can repel them. Spread it across lawns that provide access to water. Reapply it every month.
3. Install 1/8-inch mesh hardware cloth along the bottom of perimeter fences. Bury the cloth at least 4 inches underground, and extend it to at least 20 inches up the fence.
4. Place funnel traps around the perimeter fencing to trap the frogs. Frogs are protected by law in many states, so contact your state wildlife department to determine the legal status of frogs in your area before trapping them. Traps may also accidentally catch snakes, turtles and other small mammals, so use them only in extreme cases.
5. Catch the frogs. Shine car headlights or a portable fog light to locate frogs at night and catch them. Frogs can be eaten or sold in some cases. Check with your state wildlife department regarding seasons, legal methods of catching frogs, bag limits and restrictions on sales.
Mosquitoes
6. Stock your pond with goldfish. Fish will eat mosquito larvae.
7. Keep plant life trimmed at the pond's edge. Plants that touch the water can provide shelter for mosquito larvae.
8. Remove organic material from the pond. Leaves, flowers, buds or fruit that drop into the pond can deplete oxygen supplies to fish and kill them. Kill the fish, kill the mosquito predator.
9. Thin excessive water plants. Aquatic plants can also provide shelter for mosquito larvae.
10. Feed your pond fish adequately. Don't overfeed them. The hungrier they are, the more mosquito larvae they will consume.
Tags: mosquito larvae, your state wildlife, around perimeter, creeks streams, fish kill, free vegetation, least inches