Bugs are a big nuisance near swimming pools. They bite and sting people, clog filters and float on the water’s surface looking dreadful. Although regular pool maintenance will keep intrusions to a minimum, an outdoor pool is always going to be a bug magnet because like people, insects are attracted to water when the weather gets hot. Nobody wants to share a pool with insects so it helps to know the most common bugs that are attracted to swimming pools.
Midges are small two-winged flies that breed in water or marshy areas. They are especially attracted to pools with fruit trees nearby because they like sweet sap and nectar. Some Midges have a painful bite too so you will want to avoid them.
Water Boatmen and Backswimmers
The Water Boatman is a non-biting oval shaped insect that feeds off of algae. Plant material that is collected in pool filtering systems, traps and drains is both a food source and a place to lay eggs for this insect. Backswimmers are usually nearby if there are Water Boatmen because the Water Boatmen are food for the Backswimmers. Backswimmers have long hairy legs that they use like the oars of a boat. The oar-like legs allow them to move quickly through the water while floating on their backs. This bug is also known as a Water Wasp because it has a nasty sting. Both the Water Boatmen and the Backswimmer have wings and can fly.
Dobsonflies, Mayflies and Stoneflies
Other common aquatic insects that invade swimming pools are Dobsonflies, Mayflies and Stoneflies. The Dobsonfly is the largest with a wingspan of up to 5 inches and it will bite if it comes in contact with a human. Mayflies are slender and pale and travel in groups that often look like clouds moving up and down. Mayflies lay their eggs on water surfaces, and could mistake a swimming pool as a good place for their eggs. Adult Stoneflies are recognized because they move in groups of thousands, and are attracted to lights and water in a very obvious manner. Adult Stoneflies have short life spans and die soon after flight.
For safe extermination of pool pests in North Carolina, contact Clegg’s online or phone at 888-672-5344.
Image Via: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midge