Getting rid of zebra mussels is a process that can be difficult, but there are a few things that you can do to get rid of these mussels from your home. You can use a spray to kill them, or you can cut them up and place them in the trash. You can also put potash or chlorine on the infested area. These can kill the adult mussels, as well as the larvae.
Chlorine kills adult mussels
Fortunately, we can kill adult zebra mussels with chlorine. Interestingly, this method has been used for years in Europe. It is an effective treatment to eliminate the mussel but can have an environmental impact.
This method involves putting a chlorine solution into a container of water. It is best if the solution is mixed with 9 parts water. The solution is then allowed to circulate for 30 minutes or so. This method has been proven to kill zebra mussels.
Another method involves spraying hot water into the water. This can kill the mussel in a matter of seconds. The best part is that there is little environmental impact when used in small treatment intervals. It can also be used to decontaminate boats.
Potash kills larvae
During the summer of 2013, an experimental potash treatment was used to kill the larvae of zebra mussels in Christmas Lake near Shorewood. This could be the first frozen lake in the state to undergo such a treatment. This could be a valuable lesson for future lake treatment projects.
Zebra mussels are invasive species that can harm aquatic ecosystems. They can also be hazardous to swimmers due to their sharp shells. They are also a threat to domestic animals.
The Manitoba government tried to stop the spread of zebra mussels in Lake Winnipeg. They closed four harbours where they were discovered and pumped liquid potash into the harbours. They are also establishing “control zones” to prevent further spread. The DNR is monitoring the lake and the surrounding ecosystems to see how the treatment is working.
Molluscicides prevent veligers from developing
Several compounds have been developed for the control of zebra mussels. They have been used successfully in many applications. However, there is limited data on their toxicity and selectivity. Therefore, comprehensive evaluation is needed.
One registered molluscicide is EarthTec QZ, a copper-based product. It has been used to control zebra mussels in Minnesota lakes. It has also been shown to be effective in killing quagga mussels.
Another registered molluscicide is Zequanox, a killed-cell bacteria-based control agent. Zequanox has been shown to be effective in killing zebra mussels. However, it is not effective in killing Asian clam veligers. Therefore, it may not be suitable for removing Asian clam veligers from fish aquaculture.
However, a mixture of potassium chloride and formalin has been shown to be effective in preventing the spread of zebra mussel veligers. However, this chemical is toxic to nontarget organisms.
Razor-blade cuts
Using razor-blade cuts to get rid of zebra mussels is one way to rid a lake of these invasive freshwater bivalves. But there are other methods that are cheaper and better.
In Minnesota, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) estimates that 65 lakes in 15 counties are infested with zebra mussels. The DNR has 23 decontamination units deployed in the region.
The DNR has set aside $8.5 million to fight aquatic invasive species. The department must work within that budget.
The zebra mussel is one of the many aquatic invasive species that are causing damage to our lakes and rivers. The zebra mussel is a freshwater bivalves that are native to Eurasia. They are known for their ability to eat algae and other vegetation. They also spread by veligers, which are microscopic larvae.
Infestation prevention
Keeping your boat clean and dry is one of the best ways to prevent infestation of zebra mussels. In fact, it’s the only way to prevent this infestation from spreading.
To clean your boat, first drain the water from the motor and any live wells, then rinse the boat. It’s also a good idea to empty all bait buckets and throw them into the trash.
The next step is to inspect your gear for mussels. Look for any traces of zebra mussels or other invasive species. If you notice any zebra mussels, scrape them off your equipment. You may also want to rinse your boat in hot water, as this will reduce the impact of zebra mussels.
Having zebra mussels on your boat will clog your motor and cooling system. If you find that your boat has an infestation, you’ll need to professionally decontaminate it. Then wait five days before entering the water again.
