WeedGator® Works Wonders on Unwanted Aquatic Weeds

May 21, 2010 - PRLog -- Get your waterfront back with the WeedGator®

Aquatic Exotics in US Lakes, Ponds and Rivers
All North American lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds are at risk of becoming home to Eurasian Milfoil. Its rapid spread is the result of the plant’s ability to reproduce by its stem fragments. A single segment of stem with leaves can grow roots and create an entire plant. Stem fragments clinging to boats and boat trailers also spread Milfoil to other bodies of water. Waterfowl may also play a role in moving the plant from one location to another.

About the Plant
Eurasian Milfoil is a perennial plant that can reproduce by seeds or plant fragments. It begins growing early in the spring when water temperatures are still chilly (55 to 60 degrees F). This gives it a distinct advantage over native plants, which usually start growing one to two weeks later. It can grow 1 to 3 inches per day, reaching the water surface in a few weeks; even in deeper water. In the autumn, the stems fragment more easily and the Milfoil spreads to other parts of the lake. Some stems may overwinter in a green, upright condition and resume growth in the spring. Eurasion Milfoil is found in every marine habitat throughout the United States including the  cold waters of Washington State and  the warm waters of Florida.

Problems
This plant damages established habitats and creates a variety of difficulties. Eurasian milfoil overgrowth forms a dense, tangled mass of vegetation. Much of this mat is near or at the water surface and forms a canopy of foliage. Plant conditions deteriorate under this canopy due to less water circulation and light reaching  the plants. This matted growth causes problems for many mammals and birds that fish for their food. In addition to causing problems for local wildlife, matted milfoil plants decrease the amount of wind reaching the water thereby lowering the oxygen levels in the water and reducing fish populations.

For humans, moving over or through the Milfoil canopy can be difficult—swimming, boating and fishing can all be severely hindered. When Milfoil becomes established in a body of water, swimmers are unable to enjoy shoreline swimming. Excessive milfoil growth results also results in excessive growth of algae. Milfoil can become an extreme inconvenience to boaters. Milfoil on the water’s surface causes boat engines to work harder and hinders safe piloting, water skiing and water fun.

Communities and industrial facilities are also affected by the Milfoil. Intake pipes and overflow pipes may become blocked causing either flooding or water deficits. Blocked dikes may also reduce electricity production for a community.

Solution
Milfoil management has been challenging at best. More often than not, toxic substances should not be used to remove aquatic weeds as they destroy the ecosystem. Before a property owner can add chemicals to a body of water, a DEQ permit must be obtained through their state. This may result in a waterfront property owner having to wait for authorization before a chemical can be applied. After application, waterfront owners will then face an additional waiting period of up to 1-2 weeks while the chemical kills the unwanted weeds. After an application, swimmers and others must also wait to use the water to avoid hazardous chemical exposure. With the WeedGator®, there is no interruption, and it is safe to humans and wildlife. The WeedGator® is the #1 alternative to chemicals!

Physically removing the flora, with most weed cutters on the market, is not fully successful because plant fragments break off and can produce new plants. Many cutters require a  rake attachment to  pull the weeds to shore to prevent them from floating away and forming new plants from these fragments. The patent-pending WeedGator® cuts, pulls and retrieves aquatic weeds in one easy step thus decreasing the chances that the weeds will grow again. In addition, the WeedGator® saves time and the physical effort of having to go over a work area several times with different attachments. The WeedGator® has a patent-pending ballast system which allows the device to glide forward upon its descent allowing the operator to remove weeds under docks and boats. Other tools require an operator to enter the water to go under these above-water obstructions.

Lastly, the WeedGator® is the only-weed cutter designed to cut and retrieve weeds at the water’s surface allowing the operator to remove tangled-weed canopies. Cutting weeds at the water's surface improves light and circulation in the water improving access to food sources and decreasing algae buildup.

The WeedGator® is to be used regularly as a device to ward off the spread and proliferation of Milfoil. It is an essential “Go Green” solution that is nonpoisonous and safe for the environment and humans. It is lightweight - weighing in at less than two pounds. The WeedGator®, an all-in-one aquatic weed removal tool, makes a daunting task such as Milfoil removal much more manageable.

For more information about the WeedGator®, its features and its uses visit www.weedgator.net.

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A retired tool designer has invented the Weedgator™, a five-foot long environmentally-friendly weed cutter that t is easy to handle; weighing in at a mere two pounds.