Just imagine what your large koi can eat. We hear misconceptions all the time when we talk to people about Oklahoma koi ponds, so we thought it's about time to dispel some of the most common ones. Alongside excuses like “it's too much maintenance” or “I don't have room for a pond,” the myth we hear most is that a pond will attract mosquitoes. Here's why that's not true.
Myth: “It Will Attract Mosquitoes”
Nothing ruins a nice get-together with friends and family faster than mosquitoes showing up for a meal, and people often associate mosquitoes with backyard water gardens. But why? Mosquitoes lay eggs in wet locations like neglected swimming pools, ditches, storm drains — and some ponds. Before you say “you just said ponds,” hold on a minute. What do all of those locations have in common? No moving water. Standing, stagnant water is the breeding ground for those little flying vampires. Their eggs won't survive or hatch near moving water — in fact, moving water is one of the best ways to deter mosquitoes.
Standing, stagnant water is the breeding ground for those little flying vampires.
- Moving Water — Our decorative fountains, pondless waterfalls, and ponds with streams and waterfalls move a lot of water. Mosquito eggs don't stand a chance.
- Standing Water — If you have a mosquito problem, the fix is to eliminate any area around your yard that accumulates water.
- Typical Locations — Watch for standing water in empty cans, buckets, flowerpots, plastic swimming pools, and pool covers. Clear your gutters and remove weeds and debris from the yard, since water can pool in those spots too.
- Food Chain — When you have a pond, you're likely to have koi — and probably a few frogs hopping around. Frogs eat bugs, and fish skim bugs off the surface of the water. Between the frogs, the fish, and the moving water, a pond just isn't a likely host for mosquitoes.