On a possibly similar note, Algae-Fix by Pondmaster is listed as being unsafe for invertebrates because I believe it contains copper. However, I've used that per instructions on our circulating pond-plant sales tanks at work, even with the trapdoor snails in it, and didn't notice any that died from it. If anything they were just as happy after the treatment, and continued to reproduce that year. I believe the warning is more leaning towards invertebrates such as crawfish and shrimp, who are incredibly more sensitive to the element. Personally I'd send back the block, and use the snails by themselves, and realize that especially with the introduction of the little guys, the pond's just going to have to balance out. Maybe add some floating plants that die off in your zone's winter to shade the water a bit, or barley straw to tanin it up (though that seems more effective in larger ponds).

Maywren, if there are too many for you to handle with picking, stomping, and the damage is significant, try nolo bait. It is a biological control specific for grasshoppers. It is expensive, takes about a week to start working, and works better for younger ones. There are other brands also, but I believe you can only get it from mailorder. Good luck! Anna

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA Cooperative Extension Service Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Spanish Moss and Ball Moss1 Nancy P. Arny2 Many animals use Spanish moss for protection, taking cover in thick masses of pendent strands. Many insects and other invertebrates hide in moss masses, making it an unlikely choice for bedding by campers. The prevalence of "red bugs" or chiggers in the plant is legendary. Spiders, thrips, and dozens of other insects hide in the moss as well. This abundance of invertebrates may or may not be the reason that at least two species of bats also use festoons of Spanish moss for cover. Both red bats and pipistrelles use masses of Spanish moss as day-time resting sites. (copied and pasted from the University of Florida Website) Chiggers along with all their creepy little friends thrive in Spanish moss. Anyone who lives around it knows not to handle it with bare hands or arms. Be careful if you don't want to get eaten up!! Does anyone know how to kill the bugs in Spanish moss so you can bring it inside to decorate with?

Don't get your knickers in a twist, kimmsr! lol...you just left out part of the helpful information. Actually, plain water and castor oil won't make an emulsion either, but a bit of soap would help the process. By the way, ladybugfalcon, the castor oil treatments really can help...unlike some of the other 'home remedies' you've heard of. I really like the chewing gum fable. I've heard that it MUST be Juicy Fruit, though different sources dictate that either needs to be chewed up a bit OR that it must never touch human hands. What a riot. Most people, however, find that mole traps are very effective, once you get the hang of them. They aren't for everybody, though. Unless you fear that you have a severe problem, you could simply keep the tunnels stamped down and hope that they lose interest in your yard. A few mole visits don't necessarily mean that you have to take action.