Zebra mussels are an invasive species that originated in Russia. Named for their yellow and brown stripes, these small fresh water mollusks were first discovered in the U.S. Great Lakes in 1988, The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources explained.
Carried to these large fresh water bodies from the ballast of a ship, these mussels have quickly become a plague to the region. The Minnesota DNR explained that zebra mussels can hurt other aquatic wildlife including other mussels.
"Zebra mussels also can impact the environment of lakes and rivers where they live," The DNR explained. "They eat tiny food particles that they filter out of the water, which can reduce available food for larval fish and other animals, and cause aquatic vegetation to grow as a result of increased water clarity. Zebra mussels can also attach to and smother native mussels."
Since they first emerged in 1988, these mussels have spread throughout the Great Lakes, many smaller lakes and the Mississippi River. In addition to hurting wildlife, zebra mussels can also clog pipes, damage boats and interfere with power plants.
New pesticide for zebra mussels
A new pesticide may be ready to take on this unwanted guest, Michigan Live reported recently. Zequanox, a reduced-risk aquatic pesticide, is being sold to kill zebra and quagga mussels. Made by Marrone Bio Innovations, Zequanox may be a game-changer for Michigan and surrounding communities.
The pesticide has been found to kill nearly all zebra mussels as well as the similar quagga muscles that are also unwelcome, Michigan Live reported, but leaves nearly all other aquatic organisms unharmed. The pesticide has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use on open water as well as in pipes.
This new pesticide has been in development for years and one of a newer class of biopesticides. Zequanox works by tricking the mussels, Michigan Live explained. Whereas chorine- or chemical-based pesticides would be sensed by the mussels who could close their bodies, the new pesticide is built using dead microbe cells and therefore the mussels siphon them into their body. They eat the pesticide as food where it then kills them through the digestive system. It can take up to a month before they die.
"There's a great deal of interest in Michigan among state agencies and people who live on lakes following the Zequanox development," Sarah LeSage, aquatic invasive species coordinator for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, told Michigan Live.
Although the product seems to be effective in the region and many were happy with a recent field test, treating the entire lake at this point is cost-prohibitive. Although price varies, it may not be suitable for all businesses and communities so far. More research may need to be done, but many are excited at the prospect of this new pesticide.
Tips for keeping these mussels at bay
Many of the techniques for limiting the damage of zebra mussels actually has nothing to do with pesticides. While these chemicals are effective at killing this invasive species where it currently exists, a key aspect to stopping the problem is to limit the spread of this pest. The Minnesota DNR recommended that people clean the debris from their boat after use and before moving it to a new body of water. Scrubbing mussels and other debris off the hull can keep it from spreading.
In addition to scrubbing the hull, boat owners should be prepared to empty any water sources on the boat from ballasts to livewells. Zebra mussels can be as small as 1/4 an inch. The DNR also recommended 21-day dry docking to kill off any potential mussels left behind.
