NC State Fisheries and Pond Management Extension-Problem Species
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A comprehensive guide to the basics of pond management, including planning and construction, stocking and harvesting, liming, fertilization, and more
A 23-minute video illustrating all the basic aspects of pond management for recreational fishing
Publications and sources of information on aquatic weed identification and control methods
Dealers licensed to sell triploid (sterile) grass carp in North Carolina for aquatic weed control
- North Carolina dealers licensed to sell fingerlings for stocking ponds
Links to detailed information sources on the design and construction of new ponds, and the permits required
Detailed information on specific topics such as fish kills, fertilization, beaver control, leeches, mysterious
Contact information for County Extension Centers, Specialists, and other sources of fisheries management information
Guidelines for the 4-H Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Presentation competition
Use this search engine to find particular topics
NCSU's Aquaculture Extension website
NCSU's Aquaculture Extension website NCSU's Wildlife Extension website
Information on NC State's Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences academic programs
Main webpage for NC's inland fisheries and wildlife management agency
Main webpage for NC's marine fisheries management agency


Currently there are no chemicals registered in North Carolina for eradication of leeches. Below is a publication link published in Texas that is equally relevant to NC. The control methods mentioned in the attached sheet require draining the pond. Some people have found that establishing a salt concentration of 3 parts per thousand will eliminate leeches. Salt solutions of 3 ppt are used by fish farmers in hauling water to reduce stress in fish. Such a treatment would require 2.5 lbs of rock salt for every 100 gallons of water.

*PDFLeeches in Texas Waters

There are over one hundred thirty different species of leeches.  Some leeches are terrestrial, but most are aquatic and can be found in fresh water, usually in the shore or bottom mud of ponds, lakes, and rivers. Leeches are not usually a problem in ponds, as they are a natural part of the pond community.

Occasionally, however, leeches can become a nuisance if their abundance becomes too high.  Excessive parasitism on fish species is one effect, although it is rare for leech infestations to become severe enough to result in fish kills or poor condition.  More commonly, leeches are a pest to people swimming or wading in the pond.

Apparently only one product, Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate (EPA Registration Number 35896-19, Agtrol Chemical Products) is registered for leech control in farm ponds in some states, but not in North Carolina. However, you should always check your state laws to make sure it is legal to posses and dispense. A concentration of 5 parts per million (ppm) is recommended. For more information on leeches and their control.


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