Aquatic Services Division

McCloud Aquatic Services Division

McCloud Aquatic Services Division has developed a market-leading reputation for providing consistent, environmentally sound, and high quality service that preserves the health and visual appeal of our clients’ ponds, lakes, and aquatic environments. We assist property managers and owners with the management and removal of algae, nuisance or exotic weeds, and other unwanted vegetation. Utilizing EPA registered herbicides and overseen by our resident Fisheries & Wildlife Biologist and staff, our aquatic weed management programs are designed to preserve the integrity of the body of water through consideration of the unique characteristics of the specific body of water, the watershed, and the surrounding eco-systems. We apply experience, technology, and science to our aquatic weed management programs while protecting the eco-system, people, pets, fish, and wildlife.

Aquatic Site Inspection

McCloud Services knows the key elements of a successful aquatic weed management program are precise measurement of the body of water and proper plant identification. This is why we utilize Garmin GPS technology to obtain accurate measurements in surface areas. Depth readings are performed to determine average depth. These measurements are used to determine acre feet of water to calculate the appropriate label rate application.

We also perform a visual inspection to determine:

Based on our assessment, we’ll create a proper and effective aquatic management program designed specifically for your property.

Aquatic Program Details

Control Period:
Our contract period runs from May 1st to October 1st.

Frequency:
Service frequency is approximately every two weeks throughout the season but may be adjusted based on our assessment of your specific needs. Frequency may also be impacted by weather, access availability, plant growth stage, low oxygen levels, and various other adverse conditions.

Communication:
At McCloud, our Aquatic Services Division keeps you informed and up to date with our activities after each visit with door-knocker statements. We’re always ready and available to provide answers to your questions.

Herbicides/Algaecides:
Herbicide/algaecide selection and application rates are mandated by the label, the plant species, extent of the vegetation present, current or proposed water usage, oxygen levels, and other environmental conditions. All herbicides utilized are EPA registered and labeled for use in aquatic resources.

Oxygen readings are always taken prior to any application to determine that levels are high enough to prevent adverse effects. Applications are deferred if the oxygen level is 5.8 ppm or lower.

McCloud is a preferred applicator for SePRO, the manufacturer of Sonar herbicide.

All applicators are licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture in aquatic applications.

Aeration:
Aeration is key to promoting a healthy aquatic environment for fish and pond life. Aeration not only improves water clarity and reduces odors, it also helps reverse various adverse conditions found in aquatic environments. Additional benefits of aeration include increasing dissolved oxygen levels, reducing stagnation, and maintaining a cooler, more uniform water temperature from top to bottom.

McCloud Aquatic Services is a dealer of Otterbine Aeration Systems. We install systems at the time of purchase and remove, clean, and store units for the fall and winter seasons. McCloud re-installs units in the spring.

Goose Control:
Our optional goose control program may utilize one or both of the following non-harmful methods to rid your pond or lake of nuisance geese.

• Away With Geese Lights are solar powered, maintenance free lights which disrupt the geese's ability to sleep, causing them to move to another pond.
  
  
• FlightControl® PLUS Canada Goose Repellent causes a temporary case of indigestion in geese that feed on treated turf. Geese quickly learn to avoid feeding in areas treated with FlightControl repellent. The compound is invisible to the human eye, and won't affect children, dogs, other mammals, plants, or fish when applied according to the label.

Contact McCloud for Effective Aquatic Weed Management

At McCloud, our Aquatic Services Division is committed to helping property owners throughout Chicagoland achieve healthy aquatic environments. For aquatic weed management that meets or exceeds your expectations while effectively managing your pond, lake, or aquatic environment, contact McCloud Aquatic Services Division.