So what can you
do to prevent the introduction and spread of zebra mussels and other invasive
species?
First, of
course, don’t spread them yourself! If you have a boat, make sure you inspect
it and remove all plants and animals every time you pull it out of the water.
Drain all water from your boat and equipment, including bilges, live wells,
bait buckets, and coolers. Power washing your boat or washing it with water
more than 110 degrees Fahrenheit and then letting it dry is another way to
make sure no critters survive.
Even if you just
work around water, you need to check your clothing, boots, and gear every
time you leave a water body. Small invasive species like New Zealand mud
snails can easily get inside your wading boots and hide there until you move
to another water body.
In fall 2002,
zebra mussels were found for the first time in the state of Virginia. An
astute observer identified them in a quarry that’s popular with divers. It’s
very likely that they were transported there by an individual who had been
diving in infested waters – and who had no idea that zebra mussels had
latched onto his or her equipment. That’s why you have to be vigilant!
If you see a
species that looks suspicious, contact the invasive species toll-free hotline
at 800-437-2744. This number is good
anywhere in the west.
Finally, you can become
a volunteer monitor for invasive species. Monitoring water bodies for zebra
mussels provides an enormous service to the western United States.
