In time, every pond owner must have experienced the following three incidences –

• The pond water has changed its color. 
• A thick mass of scum and or aquatic weed growth has covered the pond. 
• A strong foul smell emanating from the pond.

Have you ever wondered, why does this happen and what are these green species? These are basically the invasive aquatic species that come from different lands. Such exotic species prove to be very harmful for ponds and lakes. They do not occur naturally and are brought either accidentally or intentionally. Not all exotic plants are harmful but there are many that have the potential to disrupt the natural ecosystem.

Eurasian water milfoil is the most common invasive plant species that spreads out in dense mats which makes swimming and boating almost impossible. Once introduced into a body of water, they go undetected at first, giving them ample time to spread over a large area. It is generally too late when their presence is realized and lake weed removal becomes all the more difficult. Is it not better to adopt aquatic weed control methods well in advance? After all, prevention is better than cure. If we halt all imports and travel to the shores, all future invasions will stop. But this is just next to impossible! To prevent further invasion, you should adopt the best practices beforehand. This will improve your chances of keeping your water body weed-free without making use of any aquatic weed killer. The safe bet is to –

1. It is important that you bear in mind that no foreign plants or animals voyage with you on the return to your homeland. It is very easy to bring organisms from another region. Do you remember the infestation of bed-bugs across the country? Its spread to America was from Asia in a traveler’s luggage.

2. Never transport fruit, wood or plant material placed at any isolated location. Such inter-movements are generally responsible for spreading of pests such as Apple Coddling Moth, Asian Long horned Beetle and many others.

3. It is your duty to duly check your vehicle, trailer or boat which you are towing. Accidentally, you might bring along the invasive plants and animal species such as the Asian Milfoil. It has already choked several of our lakes and streams. They can be easily transplanted from one fresh water body to another by means of small pieces.

4. Be careful while releasing exotic species into the wild. For example dumping a fish tank into the water. You may not know what environmental disaster it could bring to you.

Conclusively, you must be very well aware of what you are transporting from one region to another and within the country.