The Dangers Of A Stagnant Pond & Stagnant Water

• Mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water and eliminating sources of standing water won’t attract as many mosquitoes
• Combining the use of beneficial bacteria for ponds with a high-quality aeration system will greatly increase your chances of a Healthy Pond all-season long
• We supply products for all sizes of water, including stock tanks, birdbaths, ornamental ponds and other water features

While a stagnant pond is unattractive, there are many other compelling reasons to ensure that your pond water is as healthy as possible. We can provide you with some pond cleaning tips, such as the use of beneficial bacteria in ponds, but first, let’s look at the dangers associated with a stagnant pond or any type of stagnant water.

1. Mosquitoes Thrive In Stagnant Water

Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous animals on earth, causing as many as one million deaths worldwide each year. Mosquitoes carry a host of dangerous illnesses, and a stagnant pond or any stagnant water on your property can become a breeding ground for these insects.

For instance, residents of Michigan recently were warned to take precautions as a case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) was reported in the state. Michigan also reported a case of West Nile Virus this year. But it’s not just Michigan residents that need to be on their guard against mosquitoes. Cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in more than a dozen states this year.

These two viruses can be found in mosquitoes throughout the United States, and these diseases don’t just infect humans. Mosquitoes also can be dangerous for dogs and cats, as bites put them at risk for heartworms, and horses, as they also can contract EEE.

2. Cyanobacteria Often Grows In A Stagnant Pond

Cyanobacteria can be a common issue in stagnant ponds, especially during the warmest months of the year. While many types of bacteria can grow in a pond, this type of bacteria is highly toxic to livestock, wildlife, pets and people.

3. Stagnant Ponds Have Less Oxygen

Maintaining healthy oxygen levels is crucial for any pond. When a pond becomes stagnant, the oxygen levels can drop, and this can lead to fish kills. Even with ponds not stocked with fish, low oxygen levels accelerate the growth of floating organic matter and can cause terrible odors.

How To Prevent A Stagnant Pond

In general, there are two methods that, when used together, can help keep your pond from becoming stagnant. We highly recommend that you combine the use of beneficial bacteria for ponds with a high-quality aeration system.

Large ponds benefit most from a bottom diffusion aeration system. Smaller, more shallow ponds might be fine with a surface aerator, such as a fountain, but a system that is powerful enough to circulate all the water in your pond twice in 24 hours is the most recommended.

When it comes to beneficial bacteria for ponds, this is our area of expertise. We offer a line of all-natural beneficial bacteria products that will consume sludge, muck and floating organic matter in your pond. We offer all-natural pond products for just about any size of pond or small lake, from an irrigation pond on a golf course, backyard ponds to small water features.

Our AquaSpherePRO® is an easy-to-use, all-natural product that can help prevent a stagnant pond. You simply toss in the biodegradable spheres every 30 days, and the spheres release beneficial bacteria into your pond which will consume excess nutrients in the pond.

However, if your pond is already stagnant or has issues with an abundance of floating green organic matter, we have several supplements that can mitigate these issues. Our all-natural supplements such as Natural Blast® contain beneficial bacteria for ponds, and we recommend that this product be used in conjunction with AquaSpherePRO®. All of these products are veterinarian-approved and safe for fish, wildlife, pets and people.

Preventing Other Stagnant Water Issues

At Healthy Ponds, we have products for other potential sources of stagnant water such as birdbaths, fountains and stock tanks. For instance, our Stock Tank Water Cleaner can improve and maintain water quality and clarity while eliminating odors.

Our small All-Purpose Water Cleaner can be used in birdbaths and other water features with up to 10 gallons. Birdbaths are particularly susceptible to mosquitoes because the water can become stagnant quickly. We recommend that you either change the water once a week or use our water cleaner. We also have larger water cleaner dispensers that can be used on features such as a rain barrel or a fountain.

Our AquaLily® Water Cleaner is ideal for small water features up to 1,000 gallons, including koi ponds and small ornamental ponds. All three of these products are veterinarian-approved and safe for livestock, wildlife, plants, pets and people. The products’ dispensers contain a proprietary blend of naturally occurring bacteria that consumes excess nutrients that act as the food source for unwanted growth in stock tanks, birdbaths, ornamental ponds and other water features.

Mosquito Repellent Tips

In general, when you eliminate sources of standing water, you won’t attract as many mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can breed in very shallow water, so be sure to walk around the perimeter of your house and yard and look for standing water. It could be as little as a pool of water in a shovel that’s resting against the side of the house, or perhaps an overwatered plant with a full pot saucer.

If possible, remove buckets, watering cans and any other items that could hold water and put these into a shed or garage, especially before a rainstorm. One huge source of stagnant water can be found in clogged rain gutters. Keeping those gutters and downspouts as clean as possible can reduce mosquitoes.

Proper lawn irrigation and drainage also can help reduce mosquitoes. A healthy yard can soak up rainwater more efficiently, and proper drainage allows excess water to escape so that it cannot pool up around your yard.

Some plants can provide natural insect repellent. Consider planting lavender, marigolds or catnip in the perimeter of your yard. Some herb plants, such as sage, rosemary, mint and basil also deter many insects, including mosquitoes. Citronella grass is another great option. If you live in a climate prone to cold winters, consider planting citronella and herbs in large pots and then moving them indoors during the winter.

Preventing a stagnant pond can be a great way to reduce mosquitoes in general, as well as many other serious pond issues, such as sludge buildup and the growth of organic floating matter. At Healthy Ponds, we offer a custom, free pond treatment plan to help you figure out the right products. Fill our form out here to get started.