Owning a swimming pool in Portland is absolutely amazing! No matter if you own one as a part of your home or operate one commercially – a well-maintained swimming pool is relaxing, luxurious, and engaging! However, this luxury comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in the form of pests. Various pests are attracted to swimming pools, posing threats not only to the cleanliness and maintenance of the pool but also to the health and safety of its users.
The experts at Saela Pest Control have highlighted some of these pests below. They’ve managed to deal with these pests effectively over the many years in Portland, and thus are in the best place to share quality information about them –
Mice and Rats
One of the most common pests that seeks to target swimming pools are mice and rats. They’re drawn to pools in search of water and food, and can commonly find their way in via small openings or gaps. Once in the pool area, mice and rats can cause significant damage. They can chew through pool covers, electrical wiring, and other materials, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, they can contaminate the water with their droppings and urine, posing serious health risks to swimmers, including the potential spread of diseases such as leptospirosis and hantavirus.
Water Boatmen
Water boatmen are small aquatic insects that are often attracted to swimming pools, especially those with algae or organic debris. While water boatmen themselves are not harmful to humans, their presence can indicate poor water quality. They feed on algae and can contribute to the growth of unwanted vegetation in the pool. Their presence can make swimming unpleasant and require additional cleaning and maintenance to keep the water clear.
Backswimmers
Backswimmers are predatory aquatic insects that, like water boatmen, are attracted to pools with algae and other small insects to prey on. Unlike water boatmen, backswimmers can pose a direct threat to swimmers. They are known to bite, and their bites can be painful and cause irritation. Their presence in the pool can make swimming an uncomfortable experience and deter people from using the pool.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are perhaps the most well-known pests associated with standing water. Pools, especially those that are poorly maintained or have stagnant water, provide an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they are vectors for serious diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and dengue fever. Their presence around swimming pools can pose significant health risks to users. Furthermore, their bites can cause itching and discomfort, making pool time less enjoyable.
Pests that are attracted to pools are not only a point of concern themself, but often indicate other areas which need improvement. However, once a pest has taken hold over a swimming pool – it’s essential to call in the experts! A seasoned pest control professional and their on-staff entomologist can help identify the exact factors that make your pool desirable to pests, along with solutions and relief. By calling these experts, you’re securing the long-term health of not just the pool. But everyone who swims in it!
