Application of Household Disinfectants to Control New Zealand Mudsnails

Abstract

AbstractThe New Zealand mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum was recently discovered in Colorado, thereby expanding its invasion of the western United States. This exotic snail may invade streams through transport on angling gear and fishery equipment. Previous studies have demonstrated that some household cleaning products are lethal to New Zealand mudsnails and can be used to disinfect waders and boots. Two disinfectants, antibacterial Formula 409 All‐Purpose Cleaner and Sparquat 256, were compared as potential control agents. Snails were submersed for 5 or 10 min in one of two Formula 409 solutions (50% or 100%) or one of three Sparquat 256 solutions (1.6, 3.1, or 4.7%). We used distilled water as the control treatment. Snail mortality at 48 h and 56 d after exposure was evaluated. Our findings suggest that the current recommendation (5‐min application of 50% Formula 409) is not sufficient; half of the snails survived this treatment in our study. In contrast, a 10‐min exposure to 100% Formula 409 or to a Sparquat 256 solution of at least 3.1% resulted in 100% snail mortality. In addition to its effectiveness in controlling New Zealand mudsnails, Sparquat 256 has also proven useful as a disinfectant for whirling disease spores and other fish pathogens.