July: The Perfect Time to Chat about Pest Control

Congratulations Charlotte and Denis Strausser of Pine Grove , PA

Our Newest Water Feature Contest Winner!

Scroll to end, see the beautiful pond built by the Strausser’s with hand tools and imagination!

Some helpful information about mosquitoes!

Now, more than ever, there is a significant public health concern about mosquito- transmitted diseases to humans and pets. The West Nile Virus has reached record highs in the U.S. where it has been found in over 30 of our states. And while mosquitoes are less likely to breed in moving water, it is still advisable to take steps to discourage the mosquitoes from breeding in your water feature.

Only female mosquitoes bite requiring a blood meal to develop eggs in standing water..
The main culprit for the West Nile Virus is Calex pipiens, a species of mosquito typically found in foul, stagnant water. Anything that may hold water, such as old tires, birdbaths, rain barrels and abandoned pools need pro-active treatment to limit breeding.

Mosquito Control

Summit, The Mosquito control products produced by Summit Chemical include adulticides, larvicides and teflon coated slides. The 'adulticides' are products that contain either Naled, Pyrethrins or Permethrin. The 'larvicides' are products that contain Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (B.t.i.). B.t.i. is a bacterium toxic to Mosquito and black and psychodid fly larvae. The teflon coated slide product is used to determine the droplet sizes of the mosquito adulticides being used. EPA registered in all 50 states.
We offer efficient and affordable solutions to your mosquito problems

Mosquito Bits Kills fast - within 24 hours Mosquito Dunks Each month float a Dunk Quick Kill large mosquito populations. Environmentally sound biological mosquito control. Simply sprinkle in any standing water - including water gardens. Made with natural B.t.i., Mosquito Dunks represent a major breakthrough for people and the environment when compared with the traditional toxic chemical approach to mosquito control.

Mosquitoes have the ability to land on the surface of water to drink and deposit their eggs. Mosquito Free Water naturally removes water tension, making it impossible for mosquitoes to use treated water for breeding and drinking. Since mosquitoes cannot swim, they instead sink and drown.
Product is effective anywhere water is allowed to accumulate (flower pot dishes/birdbaths/old tires/tree holes/culverts/wishing wells/ditches/etc.) When used as directed, there are no restrictions for wildlife. Made with common food ingredients. Highly safe. Easy to use.
Three sizes available: 4 oz(spray)   8 oz(spray)   Liter(w/o spray)

Liquid Biological Mosquito Control kills developing mosquitos before they become breeding, biting adults. 6 oz size treats 5,000 gallons every other week for 6 months, 16 oz size treats 10,000 gallons every other week for 6 months
Four sizes available: 6 oz,  12 oz   16 oz   2.5 Gal

Other Pesky Critters We Need to Chat About

Wading & Fish Eating Birds

Herons, Egrets, Night Hunting Herons(small), Kingfishers---Fly over your pond and will land 10 or so feet away from it and walk in. They use stealth to catch their prey and will sit at the side of your pond motionless until a fish swims into view. They will then catch the fish in their beaks with a lightening fast stab. They will return to your pond until they catch all your fish. The small night hunting Heron is the smartest of all, he will try to crawl under nets.

Mammals

Raccoons---Are nocturnal hunters and good swimmers. A sure sign of a Raccoon attack are parts of you fish, usually the head, left on your lawn and pots of plants knocked over in your pond.

Possums or Opossums---Are also night hunters, but normally will not bother pond fish.

Snakes---Will try to catch fish in your pond, but normally only catch frogs or tadpoles.

House Cats---Well fed House cats very rarely attack your pond fish, however, if a fish is sick and lethargic and can be caught easily, House cats will not hesitate to accept this free meal.

Feral or Wild Cats---Abandoned cats have to hunt for their food and will, if hungry enough, swim to catch your pond pets.

Deterrents

Pond Netting, which is almost invisible until you are within a few feet from the pond is most effective

Decoy Fish in conjunction with a hiding place for your real pets is sure to save the day

Koi Kastle Protects Koi from predators. Aluminum frame & fiberglass mesh. Also provides shade.

Scarecrow(tm), motion sensing device, uses a 10 second stream of water is  very effective.

Great Blue Heron, It is said that Heron feed alone and may not come to your pond if another is already there. Of coarse you’ve got to move it around so the real ones don’t get on to you.

Congratulations Charlotte & Denis Strausser of Pine Grove , PA

Our pond is 12' x 16' with a stream about 25' long. We used a 24” DL Purifalls.at the beginning of the stream with an old cast iron pump to help feed the waterfall. A PRO700 PondSweep Skimmer houses our main pump and keep the water clean and clear.

It is all hand dug and every single piece had to be hand carried, since it's up two flights of stairs to get to the back yard where the pond is located.

The bridge, pond decor pieces, and statues that have added warmth and charm. Our birdhouses and feeders have been enjoyed by various wildlife that has been attracted to the yard.

We have a variety of beautiful fish including domestic and Japanese Koi, goldfish, a large Pleco, and a catfish, accompanied by several frogs.

A variety of exotic plants around the pond, and in the various gardens that line the yard and patio finds us spending countless hours sitting and enjoying our little piece of paradise, that is when we're not playing in it, adjusting rocks, rearranging plants and moving the lights and lawn ornaments to constantly make things "look a little different". Whether we're looking out the bedroom , living room, sitting on the rear balcony or grilling on the patio, our pond is always the center of attention.