Aquatic Weed Killer Which One Least Toxic to Animals?

[It'sJustMe]

We have three ponds on our 10 acres, totaling around 2 1/2 acres, total. One is completely matted with azolla, floating mosquito fern. The ducks fly from pond to pond, and so now another one of the ponds is getting the same way. It's only a matter of time before we have no more water showing anywhere. Before the rains set back in, we need to control this stuff. We've been researching different kinds of herbicides and different means of applying it. It's not a simple task to try to spray this on, so we're thinking of maybe using something to help it spread in the water. Does anyone here actually have any experience with Reward, or diquat, or Fluoridan? Those are the two we think we are narrowing down the options to. Unless there is something better, safer, or cheaper. We have lots of fowl and other wildlife around here, and don't wish to kill them, only the floating mats. Ideas? Thanks. It's Just Me

 

[Brooks]

IJM, I could probably research some of this for you, but not before sometime next week. You're probably better of contacting a professional applicator. Even if you don't hire him you may get some better understanding.

I'm not familiar with azolla. There may be issues like depth of the pond. For instance, does the plant totally float or are there roots that reach down? If the latter, it can be an indication, at least for this invasive species, that you won't accomplish much unless you dredge (or else you'll be apply herbicides on a regular basis). Sometimes the latter is the most economical, but time of year may also be a factor.

Be forewarned that doing it wrong (possibly doing it at all, by yourself, without the proper permits) may also be very illegal where you are. And for good reason, because of the concerns you originally raised. If you want, I'll help you try to sort this out next week.

 

[marsh]

If there is any possibility of your chemicals passing into a salmon bearing stream watchout! The use of pesticides has been banned by court order near salmon streams.