Chemical Control

Aeration • Algae Control • Biological Control • Chemical Control• Dissolved Oxygen • Fish Health • Oxygen Depletion • pH Levels • Temperature/Shading • Pond Home

Chemical controls are generally herbicides or other chemical control methods used to control plants in a water body. When properly applied, certain herbicides can control aquatic vegetation without harming fish or other wildlife. Some can also be used to control certain plant species without killing others.

**It should be noted that, in most cases, aquatic herbicides offer only temporary solutions, allowing the target species to reappear and forcing further treatment and or application of another control method.**

What you need to know before using chemicals:

  1. Identity of the plant
  2. Restrictions on use of water treated with herbicides
  3. Dosage: You don’t want to apply more then necessary
  4. Timing: Late spring is the best time to treat. If you wait until July or August, you are running the risk of a fish kill. Vegetation is already extensive and thick and the water warm and still.
  5. Temperature of the water: aquatic plants are not effected by herbi
  6. cides when the water is cold
  7. Contact vs.Translocated herbicides:
    1. Contact: Best used for spot treatment, they work quickly by killing the plant tissue they come into contact with. Examples include: copper algaecides, diquat, and endothall.
    2. Translocated: Working more slowly, these herbicides move into the plant and work on other parts of the plant rather then just leaf tissue. Examples include: 4-D, fluridone, and triclopyr.
  8. Re-treatment: More then one treatment per season may be required for adequate control.

**Most herbicides are toxic if taken internally and direct contact with chemicals should be avoided. Use protective clothing, gloves, and a face mask/respirator during mixing and application.