Lake Weeds Early Detection and Treatment

Lake Weeds Early Detection and Treatment

Our country's lakes and ponds are being invaded! This is happening at an alarming rate. The invaders are non native, exotic species bent on taking over our waters.

Exotic lake invaders

Hydrilla, Water Hyacinth, and now Giant Salvinia, are just a few of the more well known aliens. The problem is a serious one. It strikes at the heart of our existence. Our water supplies. Even our recreation is at risk.

For the homeowner with a pond or lake, lake and pond weeds will probably not effect the drinking water supply, since most homeowners use public water supplies, or water wells, but it can effect the recreational usefulness of the water body, and can have consequences for any body of water downstream.

Find them early, kill them early

Importance of early detection.

One of the most important factors in dealing with any vegetation problem, is early detection. Finding the problem at it's earliest stage allows for the best control. Invasive aquatic weeds like Water Hyacinth, and Giant Salvinia can double in only a few days under optimal growing conditions!

More difficult means more expensive.

The chemicals used to properly control aquatic vegetation can be expensive. The longer an exotic vegetation problem goes undetected and untreated, the more difficult and expensive the problem will be. It may seem expensive to treat a small area, but it will be much more expensive if it covers the entire lake!

Plant maturity the juvenility factor.

The juvenility factor also comes into play here. It is much easier to eliminate a plant when it is in the early stages of growth, than after it has matured and hardened.

For these reasons, it is very important to inspect ponds and lakes on a regular basis. This can not be overstated. If you own a pond or small lake, it is probable that it will eventually be invaded by one or more of these invasive aquatic species. They are already here, and trans-locate by many modes.

What to do if you find exotic lake weeds

1. You should inspect on a regular basis. Look for plants that you haven't seen before, check carefully around the shallows, since this is where they usually start.
2. If you see anything out of the ordinary, you should identify it or have someone familiar with aquatic vegetation to identify it for you.
3. You should find the best treatment option by researching the subject yourself, and asking controlling agencies like Parks And Wildlife department personnel, and your local chemical supplier.
4. In some cases, the treatment may require the notification of the proper authorities to approve the treatment plan.
5. Implement your treatment solution immediately, whether you do it yourself, use a licensed PCO, or a lake weed management specialist.
6. After the application, be certain to comply with all water use restrictions if any apply.
7. Implement preventive measures, like careful inspection of anything going into or coming out of the water. We suggest making a checklist.
8. Continue to check on a regular basis for regrowth and new invaders. Set a schedule for doing this and put it on your calender, it is that important!

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