Zebra Mussels

Runyan Lake Inc.

The lake association for the entire community of Runyan Lake
located in Tyrone Township, Livingston County, Michigan.

Invasive Species - Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are prolific invaders that cost the U.S. billions of dollars each year. These small mussels from Eurasia can clog water intakes and damage equipment by attaching to boat motors and hard surfaces. They can damage ecosystems by harming fisheries, smothering native mussels and crayfish, and littering beaches with their sharp shells.

In the late 1980s, zebra mussels spread from Europe to the Great Lakes in contaminated ballast water discharged from foreign ships. From there, they expanded to the Mississippi River, its tributaries, and to inland lakes. Zebra mussels spread primarily by attaching to boat hulls, aquatic plants, nets, fishing equipment, or in water. Adult zebra mussels can survive out of water for days under certain conditions.

Your actions are vital to prevent their spread. Please clean your boat and trailer, and any other items which may have been in contact with water from another lake prior to using them in Runyan Lake. See below.

General Characteristics

	Zebra mussels look like small clams with a yellowish or brownish “D”-shaped shell, usually with dark and light-colored stripes (hence the name “zebra”).
	They can be up to two inches long, but most are under one inch. Zebra mussels usually grow in clusters containing numerous individuals and are generally found in shallow (6-30 feet), algae-rich water.
	Zebra mussels are the only freshwater mollusk that can firmly attach itself to solid objects – submerged rocks, dock pilings, boat hulls, water intake pipes, etc.
	On smooth surfaces, young zebra mussels feel like fine sandpaper.
	Juveniles are about the size of peppercorns.

lineart of zebra mussel

What You Can Do

There are currently NO treatment options available, so only the following preventative measures are available to minimize further introduction into our lake.

	Learn to recognize zebra mussels.
	Inspect and remove aquatic plants, animals, and mud from boat, motor, and trailer.
	Drain water from boat, motor, livewell, bilge, and bait containers.
	Dispose of unwanted live bait and worms in the trash. Rinse boat and equipment with high-pressure and/or hot water (104°F), especially if moored for over a day, OR Dry everything for at least 5 days.
	Never introduce fish, plants, crayfish, snails or clams from one body of water to another.

Resources

USGS Zebra Mussel Information

MN Sea Grant Zebra Mussel Article

USDA Species Profile

Runyan Lake Inc.

PO Box 105, Fenton MI 48430-0105, USA

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Runyan Lake Inc.

PO Box 105

Fenton, MI 48430-0105, USA

Copyright © 2007- 2022 Runyan Lake Inc. All rights reserved. Updated April 15, 2022.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission from Runyan Lake Inc. is prohibited.
Please view our: | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site Map |