Since they arrived in the Great Lakes in the 1980s, two species of mussels the size of pistachios have spread to hundreds of lakes and rivers in 34 states and have done vast economic and ecological damage. Zebra mussels can damage boats by encrusting boat hulls; clogging water systems used in boat motors, air conditioners and heads; and by causing navigation buoys to sink. Zebra mussels hurt us all Zebra mussels multiply rapidly over large areas, lack natural predators in Texas lakes and can cause tremendous environmental and economic damage. How to Stop Zebra Mussels. Zebra mussels have encrusted boats, disrupted food chains and cut the feet of beach-goers across Minnesota for decades. It's hard to imagine that something so small can cause so much damage! However, there has been no proven method until now to eradicate Zebra mussels. These silent invaders, the quagga and zebra mussels, have disrupted ecosystems by devouring phytoplankton, the foundation of the marine food web, and have clogged the water intakes … Lansing State Journal Published 8:40 a.m. Zebra mussels are not native to the Great Lakes. Zebra mussels are native to the Black and Caspian Seas, while quaggas are native to the Dnieper River drainage in the Ukraine. Zebra Mussels refer to the small mussels with the zebra stripes kind of looks which is why these are given this name. In an effort to reduce their population, a paper released by the University in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey demonstrates the most effective ways to eradicate the inch-long critters, even in the icy waters of the North Star State. Minnesota cabin owner Bob Iversen, who is highly active in Cass County to stop zebra mussels from spreading, said some people already doubt that the spread of zebra mussels can be stopped. It's hard to imagine that something so small can cause so much damage! Mussels have long existed in the Great Lakes, and the dreissenid zebra mussels and native unionid mussels are both filter feeders. 3 Ways to get rid of Zebra Mussels Please take the following steps to prevent the tr ansport of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species to new waters: Inspect and remove aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your boat, trailer, and equipment. How do you get rid of 750 trillion mussels? They were first discovered in the area in the late 1980s, and it has been an ongoing battle to get rid of and control them ever since. But what’s the issue? One-hundred percent of the zebra mussels in a 29-acre bay of a Chanhassen lake are dead just ten days after a chemical treatment was applied, according to … Therefore, due to some of the reasons above and many more, Zebra mussels need to be eradicated from the lake or ocean where they are thriving in order to maintain the balance in the ecosystem.