Pond Pest Management

Updated: September 20, 2023

Pond Pest Management Summary

There are five categories of aquatic plants:

Algae
Floating
Submerged
Emergent
Marginal

Aquatic plants are an important part of the natural ecology of a pond. Along with being at the base of the food web, plants provide shelter for aquatic organisms, are the major producers of oxygen in an aquatic system, can aid in the removal of suspended sediments from the water column, and can stabilize bottom sediments.

There are four methods of aquatic plant control:

Mechanical
Biological
Chemical
Preventative

GRASS CARP ARE ILLEGAL to possess in Maryland

There are 12 steps that a pond owner should follow when using a herbicide to control for aquatic plants. Prior to applying an aquatic herbicide, landowners need to contact their local Soil Conservation Service office to obtain the appropriate permits.

More helpful information:

Aquatic Weed Management - Control Methods

Aquatic Weed Management - Herbicides

Algae Control with Barley Straw

Aquatic Plant Identification and Control

Link to Identifying plants and herbicide recommendations

Aquatic Plant Identification and Management Workbook

The Aquatic Plant Identification and Management Workbook series is designed to acquaint pond owners in Maryland with naturally-growing aquatic plants and the general means of managing their growth. Aquatic plants play an important role in the natural ecology of ponds: they provide food and shelter for many fish, aquatic animals and other wildlife, and they provide oxygen, which can benefit fish production.

Sometimes, however, growth gets out of hand and the plants become so numerous they interfere with the intended use of the pond, for example, fishing, swimming, boating - they are then called aquatic weeds. When this occurs, control measures often become necessary.

The suggested chemical controls in these workbooks series are intended as guidelines and must not replace directions on chemical labels. A list of fact sheets describing a variety of aquatic plants and their management is provided below, copies are available from your local Maryland Sea Grant Extension agent.