Zebra Mussels
In the past few years, Zebra mussels have been found in most of the lakes downstream of Silver Lake,
as well as in a number of local lakes including White Bear Lake, Bald Eagle Lake, Olson Lake, and
Lake Elmo. (Source: MNDNR Infested
Waters List)
What are zebra mussels?
Zebra mussels are small freshwater mussels that are not native to Minnesota. Adults range from ¼ to 1 ½ inches long and have yellow and brown striped shells. Unlike native mussels, they can attach themselves to hard surfaces in the water. (Source: MNDNR Zebra Mussel Fact Sheet)What problems can they cause?
Zebra mussels can: clog irrigation intakes and other pipes, attach to boat motors and boat hulls, reducing performance and efficiency, attach to rocks, swim rafts and ladders where swimmers can cut their feet on the mussel shells, attach to and smother native mussels, and eat tiny food particles that they filter out of the water, which can reduce available food for larval fish and other animals, and cause more aquatic vegetation to grow as a result of increased water clarity. (Source: MNDNR Zebra Mussel Fact Sheet)What should I do as a lake-user or lake-owner?
People spread zebra mussels primarily through the movement of water-related equipment. Mussels attach to boats, docks, swim rafts and boat lifts. They can also attach to aquatic plants. Adult mussels can survive out of water – less than five days in dry conditions, but up to 21 days in very wet conditions (such as inside dock/lift pipes). Microscopic larvae (veligers) can survive in water contained in bait buckets, live wells, bilge areas, ballast tanks, motors and other water-containing devices.Whether or not a lake is listed as infested, Minnesota law requires water recreationists to:
- Clean watercraft of all aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
- Drain all water by removing drain plugs and keeping them out during transport.
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
- Dry docks, lifts, swim rafts and other equipment for at least 21 days before placing equipment into another water body.