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First of all, it is not healthy for them as they become dependent on people for food. The best food for ducks is what they eat naturally— algae, insects and a variety of plants which are abundant in our subtropical climate. Humans most often feed them bread and similar items. These have no nutritional value for the duck. Additionally, feeding by humans makes the ducks reliant on such hand-outs, too lazy to continue foraging for their natural dietary items and uneaten “human” food will rot quickly in warm weather.
Second, feeding ducks encourages them to use the neighborhood as their bathroom, leaving droppings on patios, sidewalks and porches. As a result, controversies frequently arise between residents who enjoy the birds and residents who consider them a nuisance. Even duck lovers have complained about the problem of duck droppings on the lawns, drive-ways, patios, and even in their swimming pools. This is not healthy for people, particularly for the children playing in these areas. Wild ducks can spread disease to humans. When small children, the elderly and persons with immune system problems directly handle newly-hatched chicks, they may be exposed to salmonella. Muscovies can also transmit disease to wild waterfowl. All confirmed outbreaks of DVE, also known as duck plague (a sometimes-devastating viral infection) in wild waterfowl have been linked to domestic ducks. Fowl cholera is another serious disease that is transmittable between domestic and wild waterfowl. Although we have had no major outbreaks reported yet in Florida, the potential for Muscovies to spread this disease to wild waterfowl is a biological concern.
DON’T: Feed ducks bread or junk food. Foods like bread and crackers have no nutritional value to ducks and can cause malnutrition and painful deformities if consumed too much.
DON’T: Leave uneaten food lying around. Leftover food in the water can rot and cause deadly algae blooms that affect local wildlife.
DON’T: Try to pet wild ducks. They may not appreciate your efforts!
Keep a respectful distance and remain nonthreatening, especially to ducklings who may become stressed or injured more easily.
Tags: Condo and HOA, Lake Management Articles, Members Articles
The grass carp has been introduced throughout the world for aquatic weed control. The grass carp was considered for introduction into the U.S. primarily because of its plant-eating diet, which was thought to have great potential for the control of aquatic weeds.
Wide-scale use of the grass carp in Florida and many other states from 1970 to 1984 was limited and closely regulated due to fears about its reproduction and negative impact on sport fish. Since the grass carp’s potential for causing such problems was evident, early research focused on developing a fish that would be non-reproductive but would retain the grass carp’s herbivorous diet.
Research with the grass carp resulted in the production of a sterile triploid grass carp, which has an extra set of chromosomes. The triploid grass carp is produced in the same way as the diploid, except that fertilized eggs are subjected to heat, cold, or pressure shock result in the formation of fish with an extra set of chromosomes for a total of 72. The extra chromosomes make these fish sterile.
The grass carp is primarily a “grazer”; it tends to feed on the surface and in shallow water. The ability of grass carp to consume and utilize aquatic plants depends on the size of both plants and fish. Additional factors which influence the feeding behavior of grass carp include their size, age, gender, and population density, and the species, abundance, and location of plants within a body of water.
In Florida, a permit is required by law for the use or possession of grass carp. Only grass carp certified as triploid can be used in an aquatic weed management program. Allstate Resource Management recommends triploid grass crap in combination with a lake management program.
Speak with a lake management specialist on how we can develop a management program for your lake or pond!
Contact Allstate Resource Management
954-382-9766
info@allstatemanagement.com
Wetlands are frequently mandated by state and county statute. When you work with Allstate, you can be assured that we are following all regulations and mandates for wetland preserves and wetland management in South Florida.
Did you know! In Florida there are more 400 water recycling projects, making our state a national leader in the use of reclaimed water. The treatment process eliminates harmful substances, but leaves traces of nitrogen and phosphorous that act as fertilizers when reclaimed water is applied to lawns and landscape. Reclaimed water can cause spikes in algae growth on lakes.
Call us at 954-382-9766 for more information on causes for algae growth
Allstate Resource Management has over 25 years of experience in maintaining the health of lakes, ponds, wetlands, and stormwater systems. We have continued since our inception to be the leader in resource management. Our services include lake management, wetland management, stormwater drain cleaning and maintenance, erosion control, fish stocking, native plantings, debris removal, water quality, aquatic pest control, and upland management. All of our technicians are thoroughly trained and certified in order to meet the strict standards imposed by governmental agencies. This ensures that your property will be treated by only the most competent individuals who are proud of the services we render.
In addition to providing a healthy habitat, we specialize in the installation and maintenance of beautiful color lit fountains, bringing beauty and enjoyment to any lake or pond.
We also offer support services for property managers and HOA’s including educational presentations and CEU programs. Our approved courses offer continuing education credit to CAMs. Find us on the SFPMA Members Directory.
Colleen Sullivan
Marketing Manager
www.allstatemanagement.com
6900 SW 21st Court, Building #9
Davie, Florida 33317
Phone: (954) 382-9766
Tags: Common Area Issues, Lake Management Articles, Management News
AQUATIC RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 1 CEU – COURSE NUMBER: 9628717 Zoom Lunch and Learn Free CEUs for: Property Managers Board Members Tuesday, November 16, 2021 11:30am-12:30pm Ever wondered what is going on with your lake? This course will help you better understand lakes on property, native plants, fish stocking, stormwater maintenance, erosion issues, and more!
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Storm drain cleaning and maintenance by Brothers Backflow Cover picture. (Members of SFPMA)
Tags: Lake Management Articles, Management News, Plumbing Articles