Buying Property with Natural Ponds: Mosquitoes, Frogs, and Removal

Assessing the Ponds

Two freshwater ponds, "not too big." Concerns: mosquitoes, frogs. Wants to remove or fill them.

Mosquito Control

Healthy ponds with fish (goldfish, minnows, native species) have virtually no mosquitoes. Fish eat larvae. Add fish if absent.

Frogs

Frogs indicate healthy ecosystem. They eat insects. Hard to eliminate without destroying habitat. Most are beneficial.

Identifying Man-Made vs. Natural

• Man-made: Visible dam/levee, uniform shape, liner or clay compacted, outflow pipe.
• Natural: Irregular shoreline, connected to groundwater/stream, no dam, diverse native plants.

Removing a Pond

1. Check regulations: wetlands permits often required.
2. If man-made with dam: breach dam, drain, push levee dirt back into basin.
3. If natural: filling may be illegal (wetlands protection).
4. Cost: thousands of dollars for fill dirt, equipment.

Alternative

Enjoy the ponds! Stock with native fish, add aeration, create wildlife habitat. Skating possible if deep enough and climate allows.