Nature loves all of its creatures and gives them a suitable space to live. When it comes to our lovingly created pond, we do not always agree with your decision. A couple of colorful fish in the water are a treat for our eyes. But worms, leeches and larvae? Please somewhere else! How can we get rid of the uninvited guests?
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Causes of unwanted pond colonization
The garden pond is an open system, accessible from all sides. So it is inevitable that the water also has an attractive effect for those living beings that we do not want in it at all. It becomes particularly problematic when their number gets out of hand. This can have several causes:
- newly created ponds still lack natural balance
- standing water is ideal for insects
- Care mistakes favor vermin
Limits in the fight
The common element of water makes it difficult to target individual residents. Chemical agents not only reach the pest, but also pond fish and plants that thrive in and around the water. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken so that the pond life does not get out of hand and unwanted larvae and worms do not find inviting living conditions.
Mosquito larvae in the garden pond
In some summers mosquitoes are a real nuisance. They’re buzzing around us all the time, ready to stab. If you have a pond in your garden, you have your own breeding ground for these insects:
- Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water
- Larvae hatch after three days
- need another three weeks until they are fully grown
During the three weeks of growth, the larvae cannot escape the pond. In order to contain flying mosquitoes, they should be effectively combated during this time. First, you could try using a fine net to collect the larvae floating on the surface. This is a bit of a hassle because they are very nimble. Only when that is not enough can you take further action. But be careful with pesticides recommended for the rain barrels. These are often harmful to an inhabited pond. Special protein tablets are available in stores to spare the rest of the pond inhabitants:
- Tablets are thrown into the pond water
- required number depends on pond size
- it is essential to observe the manufacturer’s instructions
Other larvae in the water
Mosquito larvae are the most common larvae in the pond and are particularly noticeable due to their large number. In addition, many other types of larvae can cavort in the water. The main causes are to be found in the good food supply for many species of beetles. They eat pond plants and lay their eggs nearby, from which the larvae later hatch. These could be:
- Caddisfly larvae
- Yellow blot beetle larvae
- dragonfly larvae
- Butterfly lavas
- Mud fly larvae
- Marsh snout larvae
Caddis fly larvae and marsh snail larvae are very voracious and should therefore be collected. Goldfish and pond carp love caddis flies and help diligently with their decimation. Roundworms, on the other hand, eat swamp snout larvae. The yellow blight beetle population mostly remains at a low level and should only be controlled when it gets out of hand. Fishing out with a net is the most effective way of removing most of the larvae from the pond.
Leeches in the garden pond
Some species of leeches also like it in the pond at home, as they find the best living conditions and sufficient food in it. There is no danger to humans, but to some other pond inhabitants. In addition, their sight does not inspire every garden owner. The following species can often be found in the garden pond:
- Snail leech
- Fish leech
The name gives information about what is on their menu. Another type of leech is the dog’s leech, also called roller gel, which feeds on tube worms and mosquito larvae. They also destroy dead animal tissue. In addition to mosquito larvae, horse leeches also like the spawn of amphibians.
Leeches can get into the local waters in several ways:
- when buying infected fish
- or with new aquatic plants
- from nearby standing waters
How to fight leeches in the pond
Leeches are “disgusting” but not very dangerous. Only small and weakened fish are seriously threatened by possible infections. Leeches are difficult to get rid of, so they should not get into the pond if possible:
- When buying, watch out for “flukeless” fish
- examine the leaves of new aquatic plants
- egg cocoons of leeches could adhere to them
- keep your pond sludge free
If there are already some specimens cavorting in your pond and you do not find pleasure in them, you can also fight them specifically. The following method should promise success:
- Take a cleaned metal can and punch out a few small holes.
- Put raw liver in the can.
- Put this delicacy in the pond water for a day.
- Then take the can out again and dispose of it and its contents.
- If necessary, you can use this type of bait again.
During these 24 hours, the liver should have attracted some leeches. After they have eaten their fill, they no longer fit through the holes and remain trapped in the can.
Various worms in the pond water
Fish living in the pond can also fall victim to worms. The following worm species are in the lead:
- Skin worms
- Tapeworms
- kiemenwürmer
- Hair worms
Most of them are invisible to the naked eye because they work in secret. Only the skin worm is visible on the skin of the fish. If fish die in the pond, the possibility of a worm infestation must be checked and, depending on the species, controlled with appropriate measures. There are some remedies available in stores that work quickly and reliably.
In addition, all kinds of worms can swim in the pond water, but this does not have to be harmful. Watch their development and try to find out what kind it is. Only then can a final assessment be made as to whether they have to go and what measures are effective in eliminating them.
Biological balance as protection
After a few years, a well-designed pond will automatically find a balance that prevents individual animal and plant species from multiplying. Humans can disturb this ecological balance through ignorance or support it through the following measures:
- Cut back overgrown plants
- Remove leaves and dead plant material promptly
- Limit algae growth
- Use fish food sparingly
- use sludge cleaner if necessary
- install a pond filter and pond pump
Conclusion
A pond is full of life. But worms, leeches and larvae are not only disgusting, they can also become a nuisance. Maintaining the ecological balance is the best preventive measure. However, if the animal is already there, collecting, fishing or one or the other preparation helps.
