Pond Predators

Ways to Deter Pesky Pond Predators

What are Pond Predators?  They are animals that stalk the fish in your pond. How can you tell predators are stalking?  If you notice fish missing, that’s the most obvious sign.  People also sometimes find half-eaten fish in their pond.  You may also notice your fish acting scared and hiding when it’s time for food.  This is another sign.

Who are these Pond Predators?  There are three main predators we come across in our business:  Raccoons, Blue Heron and River Otters.  The animals see just one thing when they look at your pond:  dinner!

There are many steps you can take to keep predators out of your pond. It usually takes a combination of these steps and diligence on your part to save your fish:

Decoys

These can range from a heron statue making heron think there’s someone already there to an alligator statue—which makes predators think there is something there to get THEM. You can also try some plastic decoy fish, which might be snatched first, giving real fish time to hide.

Fish Caves

Building fish caves into your pond from the beginning is your first line of defense. Fish caves allow your fish a place to hide when they are threatened. For fish caves to be effective though, they must be placed deep enough at the bottom of your pond.

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors either use water or sound to scare of predators

Fishing Line

String out fishing line across your pond in a crisscross pattern. As herons land, they will get tripped up in the fishing line, giving your fish time to hide. Keep in mind this might be harmful to other birds as well though

Dogs– great for Pond Predators

A dog can be the best deterrent to predators. Not every dog though has the demeanor to chase after prey so we recommend bird dogs like: Labradors, Spaniels, Pointers, English Setters, etc.

Plant Cover

Water Lilies and other floating plants that cover the top of your pond will help hide your fish and may give them enough time to escape predators.

Scarecrow

This is not the same scarecrow you place in your garden to scare away birds. This scarecrow sprays a stream of water when motion is detected which spooks the predator

Radio

A motion sensor is connected to a power outlet which turns on a radio. This works well, as predators don’t like sudden sounds.

Pond Netting for Pond Predators

This netting does work to deter predators but it can detract from the beauty of your pond.

Regardless of which steps you take, make sure you move things around often and stay on your toes.  Pond Predators are sneaky creatures.  It’s like playing with the Road Runner.  Just try to stay one step ahead.  For more information on any of these items, contact us.