Vernal pools are equally attractive habitats to pests as well as the publicly favorable species of organisms. Mosquitoes are considered by most to be one of the biggest pests known to man. Under optimal rainy conditions, tremendous numbers of adults will emerge to make outside activities unbearable. Three to fours days following emergence, female mosquitoes will seek out victims in order to obtain their first blood meal. Even with reptile, amphibian and insect predation, startling numbers of mosquitoes emerge from Massachusetts vernal pools each year.
Vernal pools exist almost everywhere.
These unique wetlands are common in the river flood plain. The diversity of organisms alone make these ephemeral pools worth further study, exploration and protection from destruction. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has established guidelines for the certification of these aquatic habitats. The booklet covers general information, plant and animal species found inhabiting these wetlands, procedural information for certification and required forms. Certification may assist in diverting development projects away from these wetlands, therefore protecting them.