Predator Control

Summer is the best time for water garden enthusiasts because we are able to spend the most amount of time outdoors doing what we do best…. hanging out by the pond! Along with the warm temperatures come unwanted enemies we don't really look forward to… the dreaded predators! Every pond person has heard the horror stories about a horrendous blue heron wiping out an entire fish population, or a rebellious raccoon taking their prized koi. Dearest readers fear not, there are methodical measures and pretty easy precautions we can take as pond owners in order to protect our fantastically finned friends. 

One of the best options available on the market is the ‘Scarecrow.’ No, it’s not an actual scarecrow- but a motion detecting pest deterrent spray system. This system utilizes a motion sensor that releases a startling beam of water at pests that near the pond. The unit simply attaches to the end of a garden hose, and is positioned at any place near pond that won’t disrupt your ability to view your outdoor water feature. 

Not crazy about a water spray? Well another available option to keep pests out of the pond is using pond netting. Most people don't prefer this method because it can possibly obstruct the view of the pond. However, as unattractive as it can look, it is a very successful method of keeping pests out of the pond. If done properly it can look almost invisible We usually suggest anchoring and overlapping pieces of conduit pipe across the pond to form a set of "overlapping arches.” This will provide structure in order to drape the netting over, thus in turn will prevent sagging. The net will also help prevent excessive leaf and tree debris build-up within the pond. 

Another effective way of keeping unwanted guests out of the pond is by using a decoy. The heron decoy and the alligator decoy are the most common. These work by physically scaring off potential predators. The trick to success with the heron decoy is to move it around the pond and change its location every once in a while. This will keep the herons from figuring out that it is just a decoy- because for birds… they are actually quite smart!