Duckweed comes in five species: watermeal (Wolffia, sp.), common duckweed (Lemna minor), mosquito fern (Azolla pinnata), dotted duckmeat (Landoltia punctate), and giant (Spirodela polyrhiza). If you have a still pond or lake, a sluggish stream or other standing water, you may have seen how duckweed creates a thick floating layer on the top.
Duckweed quickly covers still water and depletes oxygen. This creates fish kills.
If duckweed is just starting to reproduce in your water, grass carp can be introduced as they eat duckweed. This is a natural, environmentally friendly method and should work if the infestation is not extensive. Aerating the water is helpful, using a submerged system or installing a fountain.
If you drop the water level to expose the duckweed, it will die back. Reoccurrence is a possibility.
Duckweed is a floating invasive, or introduced plant. It quickly chokes out native plants. The ecosystems in a body of water are depended upon by birds, fish, and animals for survival.
The cost to control duckweed depends on your unique situation.
For a long-term solution, Estate Management Services offers no-cost, no-obligation site surveys, which can be scheduled online or by calling 1-888-307-6637.