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).

I can truly feel your pain; we live close to the woods and have whole tribe of raccoons in our backyard. They always seem to pick big rousing fights with each other under the bedroom window and wake us up on a weekly basis. They're pretty bold and like to wander up onto the deck and peer into the windows at my two kitties. I have found that raccoons seem to have a need to tear up anything newly-planted for some reason. Must be looking for food, and they will dig up plants, roses, etc. until the "newness" wears off. So I don't think using the grub control is going to work to keep the raccoons away if that is what your short-term goal is. Anyway, I've found that bright floodlights will cause them to scatter and stay away when they start getting too bold. I've also thrown down mothballs in the rose garden to keep them from using it as their litterbox and it stopped that nonsense right away. I'd try both of these before the Bayer. -terry

yup- that's them. Let me see if i can find a link... while looking i found this: "June bugs belong to a large group of insects called scarab beetles. There are actually at least two species of "June bug" normally found around lights in Iowa. The larger beetles are called May or June beetles and are members of the insect genus Phyllophaga. They are called May or June beetles because the adults emerge and subsequently arrive at our lights in May and June. They are about .5 to 1 inch long and dark brown. The second species is the northern masked chafer, Cyclocephala borealis. This beetle is smaller, about .5 inch long, and a lighter tan color. The northern masked chafer will emerge in late June and you will be able to find them circling a light near you." to me, they look a lot alike (masked chafer & junebug, as referenced above). Not sure which we had up there, or which down here. But at least it does validate that 1/2 of the US calls the chestnut colored beetles junebugs. The big green ones popped up too, so the other 1/2 calls those june bugs. Which is why common names stink. :) Since we have all 3 around here it gets real confusing! first- the masked chafer link- flickr.com/photos/21379257@N00/451158462 this link has a bunch of beetles, shown with their names: http://www.stevenanz.com/Main%5FDirectory/Plants%5FAnimals/Invertebrates/Insects/Coleoptera/Polyphaga%5FPart%5F1/ Here is a link that might be useful: enc brittania's 'june beetle ' pic

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