Problem with Backswimmers/Water Boatmen

[WaterGardener]

I have an Intex pool for waterlilies. No fish in there. Tree frogs breed there every year and there was a bountiful crop of them this year, more than ever before. But now they are all gone. Never had that happen before.

There is also a multitude of Backswimmers and/or Water Boatmen in there. It seems they are eating all the tree frog tadpoles.

Is there a way to get rid of the Backswimmers without harming the water lilies?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Lisak1]

Scoop them out? Add a few fish? Reduce the debris in the pond? They love algae amongst other things.

 

[WaterGardener]

Evidently they can fly? So scoop them out and dump them in a bucket of soapy water?

The pool is pretty clean, but they have had plenty of tadpoles to feast on so they are thriving.

Will fish eat them?

 

[Lisak1]

Yup - they are both predator and prey!

 

[WaterGardener]

Thanks. Appreciate the help.

 

[GBBUDD]

I have seen baking soda suggested as a pesticide. Sprinkle dry onto them, It won't hurt the plants.