What you can do to stop the spread of the invasive zebra mussel: Inspect boat, trailer, and other recreational equipment that have been in contact with water. Do not allow wash water to flow in any water body or storm sewer. Dry boats and trailers in sun for five days before launching into another body of water.
Do moss balls contain zebra mussels?
Consumers urged to destroy and dispose of them safely. Invasive zebra mussels have been found in “moss balls,” a plant product sold at aquarium and pet supply stores, garden centers, florist shops, and online retailers.
Why are invasive zebra mussels bad?
In spite of their small size (often no bigger than a penny) zebra mussels cause far-reaching damage to water structures and native ecosystems. They also negatively impact aquatic ecosystems by harming native organisms. In huge numbers, they out-compete other filter feeders, starving them.
Why do zebra mussels cut you?
As with most bivalves, zebra mussels are filter feeders. When in the water, they open their shells to admit detritus. As their shells are very sharp, they are known for cutting people’s feet, resulting in the need to wear water shoes wherever they are prevalent.
What is the natural predator of the zebra mussels?
Besides pumpkinseeds, the several other North American fish eat zebra mussels, including freshwater drums, redhorse suckers, river carpsuckers and smallmouth buffalos. Some species of waterbirds are important predators of zebra mussels too. These are mostly diving ducks.
How do you tell if moss balls have zebra mussels?
If you spot a zebra mussel — identifiable by light and dark stripes on the fingernail-sized mollusks — on a moss ball that you’ve recently purchased, you should email [email protected] with the source of the moss balls, the approximate date of purchase, and photographs of zebra mussels on the moss balls.
Does anything eat zebra mussels?
Are zebra mussels an invasive species?
Zebra mussels are an invasive species that can devastate local ecosystems and infrastructure. Zebra mussels are currently invasive in several states, and we need the public’s help to ensure this dangerous invasive species does not spread further. What is an aquarium moss ball?
How did zebra mussels get to the United States?
By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the construction of extensive canal systems enabled the spread of zebra mussels to almost all major drainages of Europe. The first report of zebra mussels in the United States was in 1988 when mussels were found in Lake St. Clair, located between Lake Huron and Lake Erie.
Do moss balls destroy zebra mussels?
Destroy! Don’t Dump! Invasive zebra mussels have been found in “moss balls,”plant product sold at aquarium and pet supply stores, garden centers, florist shops, and online retailers. Zebra mussels are regarded as one of the most destructive invasive species in North America.
Are exotic zebra mussels bad for the Great Lakes?
The Exotic Zebra Mussel. However, they have the potential to harm native mussels by interfering with their feeding, growth, movement, respiration, and reproduction. Researchers are observing some of these effects as they study interactions between zebra mussels and native mussels in the Great Lakes.
