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14. Controlling Aquatic Pests

As a general rule, insecticides should not be used in or near the water because they can harm fish and other beneficial aquatic life. Problems do arise, however, and they must be dealt with or you run the risk of losing expensive plants. As with other garden plants, pests are usually specific to varieties. The same is true with aquatic plants. You should watch for Aphids, China Mark Moths and False Leaf-mining Midges on your aquatic plants.
APHIDS
Aphids are small, wingless insects that reproducerapidly and disfigure plants by sucking liquid from the leaf surface. Signs of aphids are disfigured and discolored foliage. Aphids can be washed off onto the water where active fish populations can eat them. In cases of heavy infestation, many commercial soap-based insecticides are available to control these worrisome pests. Extreme care must be taken with any insecticide when fish are present in the pond.
CHINA MARK MOTH
The larvae of the China Mark Moth exhibits a distinct habit of cutting away sections of lily leaves to form a cocoon around itself. You will find this pest and its cocoon on the surface of the leaf or floating on the water. The cocoons can be removed from the leaves and the water by hand and destroyed.
LEAF-MINING MIDGE
Symptoms of False Leaf-mining Midges are yellowish tunnels in the leaf surface. The tunnels are produced by the larvae of flies or moths that lay their eggs on the surface of the leaves. To prevent further infestation, remove affected leaves.