Algae are an important component of an ecosystem, but when algae populations grow out of control, they begin to decrease water quality. The summer months generate high water temperatures and abundant sunlight. This in combination with excessive nutrient overloads from decaying plant material, fish and livestock waste, dead bugs, and fertilizers encourage excessive algae growth.
![](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/suwanneeco/files/2021/01/algae-dying-on-pond-300x173.jpg)
Did you know that despite being in the plant kingdom, algae is actually not a plant at all? It does not have true roots, stems, or leaves. Algae can range in size from microscopic to a meter long and even resemble plant-like structures. Algae also serve as a food source for many organisms including fish, insects, mollusks, and zooplankton. The mere presence of algae indicates that you have an active ecosystem in your pond. Therefore, it is recommended that you tolerate some level of algae. Especially during the warmer months when the “bloom” of algae naturally occurs. It is suggested that algae cover no more than 20% of your pond. Greater than 20% pond surface area coverage of algae starts to develop foul odors, stagnant waters, and fish kills.
Filamentous Algae
While there are many types of algae, the one that I get the most calls about is filamentous algae. These microscopic algae link together to form threadlike masses. Filamentous algae is often referred to as “pond scum” or “pond moss” and can be controlled using the following methods:
- Prevention: reduction of nutrient sources into the pond, utilizing floating wetlands, or adding straw
- Mechanical: manual harvesting of filamentous material and applying pond dyes to minimize sunlight penetration
- Biological: Grass carp fish offer partial control
- Chemical: herbicides include copper and endothall (Hydrothol), remember to always follow label instructions when applying any chemical treatments
There are many different species of filamentous algae, however, most of them can be control similarly as listed above. Some species such as blue-green algae are more difficult to control. If you have any questions on the type of algae present in your pond or how to control it, contact your local county extension agent.
Comments:
March 29, 2021
Thank you Toni For your comment!
March 29, 2021
Thank you Sherry for your comment!
March 27, 2021
Great article, very well written. Love all the information, along with how to take care of the problem. A lot of people don’t understand the importance of removing those pesky little yellow dots, this article should open a lot of eyes as to why it is so important !! Thanks for the work you put into it, hope to see more on many different subjects
February 5, 2021
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January 31, 2021
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November 3, 2020
Thank you Rosanna for your comment. You are correct! Organocide Bee Safe 3-in-1 Garden Spray is an organic spray recommended by UF/IFAS to help control Spider Mites in field, greenhouse, and nursery strawberry production. Here is a link if interested in other organic spray options for spider mites: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in486.
November 3, 2020
Organocide Bee Safe 3-in-1 Garden Spray can control spider mites. It's a safe pesticide made of food grade oils that suffocate small soft bodied insects in all stages of their lives. Great alternative to harsh chemicals as it is OMRI listed and safe to pollinators.
August 10, 2020
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Hi Courtney this is Tammy I would like to know if you know any more about chicken mites what is a good thing to spray I’m side of our house? Thank you ,
December 9, 2019
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July 24, 2019
Like the thought of helping with plant ID, but would discourage from advising the plant be dug up to ID. Sometimes necessary I'm sure, but shouldn't be a standard, what if plant is rare or endangered?
October 5, 2018
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February 4, 2018
Fortunately, Poinsett continued to study and breed this plant in his greenhouse, sharing plants with his horticulturist friends.
January 31, 2018
A dead tree can stand for decades, providing critical shelter and food to myriad species. If a dead or dying tree isn t threatening your residence, picnic pavilion or roadway, the Game Commission recommends leaving it to nature and the benefit of wildlife. It won t be long before you ll see its worthiness to wildlife and begin to appreciate the additional character it affords your backyard or woodlot. If you appreciate wildlife, you should appreciate dead trees.
January 31, 2018
Feline trichomoniasis is an intestinal disease that results in chronic diarrhea, flatulence and fecal incontinence. Bovine trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease of cattle that infects the reproductive tract of cows, causing uterine infections and possible mid- to late-term abortions.
January 31, 2018
Most people are surprised to learn that Florida has a carrot industry. While carrots have been historically produced throughout the state, the amount of land dedicated to carrot production in Florida has been limited relative to other crops like citrus or tomatoes. California has led the nation in carrot production for decades, and that will likely continue. Recently, however, vegetable producers, processors and distributors have collaborated in forming an emerging carrot industry in northeast Florida.
January 30, 2018
These estimates should serve as a guide to the relative average values of different land uses within and between areas in Florida.
January 30, 2018
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