Swimming Pools & Insect Problems

Swimming pools are catchment areas of water and most pools are also fitted with lights for night-time swimming. Aquatic animals are naturally attracted to water. Many insects are also attracted to mercury vapor lights. Aquatic insects can easily invade swimming pools given the right conditions and become a nuisance. Some measure of pest control may be needed to get rid of the problem.

  1. Aquatic Insects

    • There are a number of notorious aquatic insects, according to Ohio State University. These include Dobsonfly, Stonefly, Mayfly, Water Boatman, Backswimmer, Giant Water Bug, Water Strider, Water Scavenger Beetle and Whirlgig Beetle. Though most are harmless, the Dobsonfly, Backswimmer and the Giant Water Bug can inflict pain when they bite.

    Insects and Lights

    • Insects are attracted to lights for two reasons. Since they are cold-blooded, any warmth attraction is instinctual. They are also attracted to the ultraviolet energy provided by lights, which explains why ultraviolet energy mercury vapor lights provide the most attraction to insects.

    Light Solution

    • In order to reduce attraction, reduce the wattage of lights used. Using high-pressure sodium vapor yellow lights can also help to reduce attraction. Setting lights 20 to 30 feet away from the pool will reduce insect traffic.

    Poorly Kept Pools

    • Neglected and poorly kept pools can encourage the growth of algae, which in turns attracts aquatic insects. Keep your pool properly chlorinated to kill unwanted organisms. If your pool hasn't been cleaned for a while, shock the pool a few times and scrub algae from the sides and bottom of the pool. Algae also tends to grow inside filters, so be sure clean it out as well. Put a chlorine tablet into an auto water filter.

    Remove Food Sources

    • Since water insects thrive on food found in the pools, whether it be algae or smaller insects, removing food sources can help to reduce insect problems. As discussed above, removing algae will eliminate smaller insects like the Water Boatman, which feeds off the algae. Since Backswimmers feed on the Water Boatman, the Backswimmer population will be reduced as a direct result.

    Cut Off Oxygen Supply

    • Another way to get rid of water insects is to change the conditions of the pool. Since water insects need oxygen to live, a good way to get rid of them is to cut off the oxygen supply. To do this, simply use dish detergent--just add a few tablespoons on top of the pool water. The layer of detergent will prevent the insects from getting to the surface for air. The insects will die and the detergent will neutralize overnight.