- 1). Turn on pool lights sparingly, as water bugs are attracted to the light for its warmth. If possible, keep lights 20 to 30 feet from the pool and direct the light toward the pool. Use high-pressure sodium vapor yellow lights, which insects are not as attracted to.
- 2). Hang bug zappers to kill any bugs that try to get to the light.
- 3). Use hedge trimmers to trim back plants close to the water. Many water bugs lay their eggs on foliage just above the water, so it is imperative to keep these trimmed. Do not keep soil near the pool wet because this also attracts the bugs.
- 4). Lightly spray nearby plants with an insecticide. Do this when the wind is not blowing to keep the treatment from blowing into the water.
- 5). Put enough drops of dish detergent into the pool to create a thin, soapy layer over the surface of the water. Allow this to sit overnight. The film traps the bugs, preventing them from entering the surface for air and ultimately drowning and killing them.
- 6). Use a pool skimmer to collect any debris from the top of the pool. Fill a bucket with water and make it sudsy with dish soap. Place all debris into this bucket. Any water bugs caught will get trapped and drown.
- 7). Keep garbage, pet foods or decaying matter such as fallen fruit from trees away from the pool. These attract the bugs because they feed on them.
- 8). Thoroughly scrub the walls and floor with a pool brush. Use an algaecide or recommended chemicals to remove algae from the pool walls and floor. Some water bugs lay eggs in the algae, so keep your pool algae-free.
- 9). Check the chlorine level of your pool water. Shock the pool or add more chlorine as needed.
- 10
Run your pool vacuum as recommended by the manufacturer. Clean it regularly and clean all pool gutters as well. - 11
Keep your pool covered when not in use.
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