Insecticides, Pesticides And Your Fish.

[aquaponicpaw]

I plan to set up a tank in the garage for the first time. I also have more tanks than ever scattered around My House. So, How do you guys combat insects without risking your fish. This is my first full summer in this area. And I am alreadyshell shocked from what I've seen so far. Last week I saw a Water Bug the size of a baby Turtle! In the North we would call it a Roach, But I've never seen one so large. But they are indeed driven by a quest for water. I imagaine some will find their way into the tanks to become food. I've always been the type to catch an invader found indoors into the tank. But this is a serious concern of mine as I expect to have a lot of extra company due to my fertile location.


So this is a thread for us to compile a list of eco friendly ways to control pests and protect our Fish. Please add on.

I have never tried these:

the ashes from burnt leaves scattered around the foundation of your house is a great deterrent.

Also heard that a solution of ground up red peppers and water sprayed around the perimeter will work as well.

 

[Southern Rebel]

First off I wanna see a pic of this water bug size of a baby turtle LOL sounds awesome

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[aquaponicpaw]

LOL! they look like roaches. One actually made the Ol' Lady cry when I didn't make it there quick enough to squash it.

 

[doveandgrenade]

If you keep them in your garage, a good way to battle the bugs would be to find a dust at your local farm store or hardware store. Look for a dust with permethrin in it. Stay away from diatomaceous earth. It's crap.
Just sprinkle the dust around the perimeter of the garage and you should be good. Try to get in cracks and crevices. You don't need to over do it. If you can see it alot so can the bugs.
Stay away from sprays as they will take out your tanks. Also when applying the dust just cover your tanks as well to make sure it doesn't get in them.



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[doveandgrenade]

Sorry I forgot to mention as well that boric acid will work as well.
Just a light dusting is enough.



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[aquaponicpaw]

Won't this still harm the fish though? In the past I have seen insects crawling with physical deformities from boric acid. My fear is that a contaminated insect can still make its way into the tank and poison a fish(S).

 

[doveandgrenade]

The dust should kill the insects before they make it to the tanks.
You could also just have really secure tight lids to prevent the insects from getting in.

You could try a diatomaceous earth dusting which is Eco-friendly.
I'm not a fan of it though. I like the real stuff


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[aquaponicpaw]

You could try a diatomaceous earth dusting which is Eco-friendly.

Thanks! going to give this: http://diatomaceousearth.net/?gclid=CMqEj-jR668CFQiynQodDXDqzw a try.