Vol. 120 (2007): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Ornamental, Garden & Landscape

Saint Lucie County Pond Appeal Series: what’s buggin’ your pond?

Kenneth T. Gioeli
University of Florida

Published 2007-12-01

Abstract

Several Saint Lucie County residents living adjacent to storm water retention ponds complained about the emergence of large swarms of pestiferous aquatic midges. Pond Appeal is an educational program developed by the University of Florida Saint Lucie County Cooperative Extension to educate residents about pond best management practices that would result in a reduction in aquatic midge emergences. One hundred and fifty people participated in the Pond Appeal Series program in Saint Lucie County. Of the surveyed participants, 100% indicated that they increased their understanding of pond management techniques and adopted practice changes that enabled them to better manage their storm water ponds. This resulted in a reduction in pestiferous aquatic midges.