Their scientific research hasn't been officially published yet, but biologists at the University of Minnesota Duluth have found one sure way to kill spiny water fleas: Dry them out.
And while some species of water flea can survive without water for long periods of time, even years, it appears the type of European spiny water fleas now invading Northland lakes is highly susceptible to drying, often in a matter of hours. Once moisture is removed, the eggs die fast and the adults die even faster.
"We've been pretty amazed how fast they go. We didn't expect it at all," said Donn Branstraor, a UMD researcher.
Thorough drying already is a preferred and suggested method to kill invasives, including zebra and quagga muscles, spiny water fleas and other species. But the UMD results mean anglers, boaters and others can easily stop the spread of spiny water fleas simply by making sure live wells, bait buckets, keels, bilge pumps and fishing gear dry completely for a few days before moving between waterways -- especially those known to be infested.
"They really don't seem very vulnerable to heat or even some pretty harsh chemicals," Branstrator said. "But they can't tolerate being dry at all."
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Boaters are asked to prevent spreading spiny water fleas and others invasive species by:
