The Zebra Mussel population in Candlewood has expanded significantly, and as people check their boats, ladders, and docks they will likely begin to find zebra mussels attached and growing. This is the case in most areas of Candlewood Lake. Zebra mussels can do damage to boats and docks if left on for extended periods -- one of the best ways to protect your boat is to use it regularly, and when not using, to keep out of the lake if possible. When removing docks and boats from the lake, if zebra mussels are found, let them dry out before removing them and throwing them away. Zebra Mussels are sharp, so when swimming, it is advised to wear water shoes to protect your feet.
If you are visiting Candlewood Lake, it is critical that you clean, drain, and dry your boat before visiting and after leaving so that zebra mussels and other invasives don't spread to other lakes from Candlewood.
Small D-shaped mussels with brown and white stripes
Size of a fingernail
Microscopic larvae hide in infested water
In 2020, nearly 50 Zebra Mussels were discovered in Candlewood Lake and conservation efforts have been stepped up to reduce the possibility of their growth and subsequent damage to the Lake’s ecosystem. We are still evaluating the current state of the Zebra Mussel population in Candlewood. Please click here for a pre-recorded Webinar about the Zebra Mussel population in Candlewood as of 2/18/2021.
Zebra mussels are an invasive mollusk, not native to North America. They are usually spread via human activity (boats etc.), have no natural predators here, and can spread rapidly throughout a body of water. Once zebra mussels get established in a lake, there is little that can be done to completely eliminate them. A lake with a hospitable environment can see rapidly increasing numbers of zebra mussels in a short period of time. Ultimately, preventing zebra mussels requires all the boaters entering the lake to make sure they aren't transporting any hidden hitch hikers!
Move boat away from the lake. Remove attached mussels and drain any water from bilge, ballast, etc. Wash boat thoroughly with hot, high pressure water.
Always CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your boat, trailer, and equipment before entering Candlewood Lake.
They can change the lake’s ecosystem forever. They are filter feeders, filtering water (up to 1 liter per day per mussel), and they feed on the tiny organisms at the bottom of the food chain, thus impacting food resources from native species like sport fish.
They can damage personal property by attaching themselves to boat hulls and anything with a solid surface, and clog water intakes on engines, small pipes etc.
They can hurt you! They have sharp shells and can cover rocks on the lake bed, making walking on them dangerous without shoes.
One major pathway that zebra mussels can take to enter Candlewood Lake is attached to our boats and trailers, or hiding in our bilge/ballast water. The adult mussels can be found attached to your boat hull, motor, or trailer, while the microscopic larvae can stow away undetected in water from other water bodies in your bilge, ballast, or livewell.
"CLEAN - DRAIN - DRY" your boat, PWC, kayak, and equipment before coming to Candlewood from another body of water, as well as when you leave if you plan on traveling to another lake. Click the link here for instructions on zebra mussels and how to properly clean your vessel.
