Zebra Mussel Removal on Lake Austin and Lake Travis
Invasive zebra mussels have made a home in Lake Austin and Lake Travis, wreaking havoc on underwater structures. Removing them is key to maintaining your boat and dock, protecting your investment, and keeping your water enjoyment safe.
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Removing zebra mussels requires specialized equipment, including diving gear and zebra mussel removal tools. Every single zebra mussel needs to be removed. Otherwise, they will just continue to spread on your property.
Don’t attempt to remove these pests yourself and endanger your boat, dock, or safety. Call Austin Aquatic Services for expert zebra mussel removal and inspection.
What are Zebra Mussels?
Zebra mussels are small, fingernail-size mollusks native to fresh waters in Eurasia, making them an aquatic invasive species here in Lake Travis and Lake Austin. They are called zebra mussels because of their zigzag pattern and were first observed in Texas in 2009. Since then, they have taken over our beautiful lakes.
Zebra mussels are commonly found attached to objects or other mussels by threads extending from underneath their shells. They are quite noticeable, but you may not see a zebra mussel colony starting on your dock or boat if they are hidden out of view underwater.
How do Zebra Mussels cause damage?
Zebra mussels cause damage to any hard surface they latch onto, including boats, motors, propellers, docks, and pipes made of fiberglass, wood, aluminum, and steel. Zebra mussels ruin the finish of these surfaces and decrease boat fuel efficiency. Even worse, they can cause serious damage if your boat motor gets infested.
Zebra mussels also harm the natural environment. They reproduce remarkably fast and consume all the algae that would have been food for native organisms. Zebra mussels are choking out our native species, so proper removal is an important step to support our natural lake ecosystem.
How to stop the spread of Zebra Mussels
Texas Parks and Wildlife highly recommend professional zebra mussel removal to save your property and the environment. Plus, proper removal can save you thousands in repair costs resulting from their damage if left untreated.
Dock owners are encouraged to invest in proper zebra mussel repair at least once a year. Make zebra mussel removal a habit — once you notice them, it may be too late. Austin Aquatic Services offers regular zebra mussel inspection and removal on Lake Travis and Lake Austin.
Boat owners can take several steps to prevent a zebra mussel infestation on their hull or in their motor:
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Lift your boat completely out of the water when it’s not in use.
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Lift your motor out of the water between uses if you do not lift the entire boat.
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Rinse your boat and engine after every use.
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Use your boat often, and run the engine at a slow speed (about 4-5 mph) at least twice a week. The heat will kill any zebra mussels making a home inside the engine’s cooling systems.
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Monitor engine temperatures as overheating could be a sign of zebra mussels clogging your cooling system.
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Hire professionals to remove all zebra mussels from your boat with hot water power washing and special tools.
Experts recommend that you do not attempt to transport or eat zebra mussels. They are filter feeders, so they may be contaminated and unsafe to eat. And they are tenacious pests — kill them rather than keeping them or bringing them ashore.
Zebra Mussel Removal to Protect Your Property
The only way to completely remove zebra mussels and their residue from your underwater structure is by hiring a professional. At Austin Aquatic Services, our zebra mussel removal includes:
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Inspection of above and below water to report zebra mussel activity
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Thorough removal and cleaning with power washing and proper equipment
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Lasting treatment to prevent re-infestation
Your investment in zebra mussel removal will only save you costs and headaches in the future. Call Austin Aquatic Services for reliable zebra mussel removal on Lake Austin and Lake Travis that will keep you enjoying the lake while protecting your property.