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How to Keep Mosquitoes Out of a Sewage Lagoon

Sewage lagoons provide an inexpensive way to break down sewage before releasing it back into the environment. Sewage lagoons are shallow, between 2 and 3 feet deep. Mosquitoes love standing water and lay their eggs there. The eggs hatch into tiny larvae that breathe air and wiggle on the surface of the water, giving them their nickname, "wigglers." The larvae, in turn, develop into pupae and finally fly away from the water as adults.

Things You'll Need

Wire fencing
Aerators
Mosquito fish
Methoprene

Instructions

- 1
  Place wire fences around the lagoon. It is law in most communities that every sewage lagoon remain fenced to protect unsuspecting people and animals. Wire fences allow wind to move across the surface of the water. This aids in evaporation and keeps the water surface moving, killing mosquito eggs.
- 2
  Remove plants and weeds from the lagoon. These plants provide a safe haven for mosquito eggs and larvae.
- 3
  Add an aerator to the lagoon. A short aerator draws the lagoon water from the bottom of the lagoon and sprays it over the top. This keeps the surface of the water moving, making it a bad place for mosquitoes to breed.
- 4
  Stock the lagoon with fish. Mosquito fish help in many canals and lagoons. According to Live Aquaria, each little fish eats 100 to 500 mosquito larvae every day. Also consider koi or shubunkins.
- 5
  Sprinkle mosquito control chemicals such as methoprene on the water. The chemical kills the wigglers and pupae but has no effect on fish or waterfowl.

Insects & Science