Herons are designed by Mother Nature to hunt fish. And unfortunately for pond owners, they often find pond fish to be an easy meal. So in order to protect your fish, you will want to know how to deter herons from your pond.
Alligator Decoys
Alligators are natural predators of herons. And therefore one of the most efficient ways to deter herons from your pond is by using an alligator decoy. These decoys float around the pond with the current of the water which makes them seem as if they are swimming. And when passing herons see what they think is a gator in the pond below they won’t want to land for fear of being eaten.
Netting
Pond netting can provide a physical barrier against herons. However, you will need to make sure that the net is totally secure and taught over the surface of your pond. Herons have narrow beaks and long necks. So to prevent them from being able to get through the net and snatching fish the mesh will need to be smaller than one inch.
Hide It From Above
To help prevent herons from spotting your pond from above, you can place an outdoor structure with a roof over it such as a patio enclosure. A roof will also provide shade for the fish. Because patio enclosures are screened in they will also be able to physically keep herons and other pond pests out as well. And this includes biting insects like mosquitoes too. A shade sail or shade cloth can also help to keep a pond hidden from above too.
Use A Radio
Herons actively try to avoid humans. And while standing watch over your pond is not an option, often placing a radio near it is. The sound of voices on the radio will help keep herons out of your pond by making them think there are people nearby. While this isn’t a permanent solution it can often be a good idea to use a radio while you are in the process of purchasing or setting up another alternative.
Increase The Water Level
When herons hunt for fish they may stand on the water’s edge or wade in the water. Typically they prefer to wade in water that’s around twenty inches or less. Therefore having a deeper pond can help make catching fish more difficult. This can be achieved by filling your pond up to the highest water level possible.
Plant Around The Pond
By adding tall plants around the perimeter of your pond you can make it harder for herons to land and also hunt around the edges. Plants can also provide hiding spaces for fish. Herons are wary birds and prefer open spaces so they can easily detect danger. A heavily planted perimeter that doesn’t offer much visibility can deter herons from your pond by making these wary birds hesitant to land in the first place.
Start Shopping for Heron Deterrents!
What Smells Do Crows Hate?
Crows can be quite a nuisance. And one natural way to deter them is by using scents that they dislike. But what smells do crows hate? Read on to find out! Pest Crows Crows are often considered to be pests. In agricultural areas, they are well-known for causing crop...
How To Get Rid Of Owls In Your Yard
While owls are amazing creatures and can help to function as natural pest control, they are not a bird everyone wants on their property. Fortunately, when it comes to how to get rid of owls in your yard there are quite a few things you can do to deter them. Here’s...
How To Make Irish Spring Deer Repellent
Irish Spring isn't just a soap that has a pleasant and energizing fragrance. It's also an ingredient that can help keep your outdoor space healthy and inviting. By making your own Irish Spring deer repellent you can help keep nuisance deer at bay. Here's what you'll...
The Best Cat Deterrent Plants
Cats are adorable and beloved creatures. That doesn't mean, however, that they belong in your garden. The last thing you want is to see felines eating your favorite plants, or using your garden as their personal toilet. So here are some of the best cat deterrent...
Do Coffee Grounds Deter Cats?
You may find your garden and yard smelling awful because the neighborhood cats have decided to treat the area as their giant litter box. Not only can it really stink but it’s unsanitary too. Cats may also be tearing up plants and digging out seeds and bulbs. You may...
Will Coffee Grounds Keep Cats Away?
If you find that the neighborhood cats are treating your garden and yard like a personal litter box, it is time to use coffee grounds to keep cats away. You may wonder, "Will coffee grounds keep cats away?" The answer is yes, they will. This is not a myth or an old...
Cats And Coffee Grounds
For most of us, our first cup of coffee in the day is like a drink of ambrosia. Not only does it smell and taste delicious but it has many other advantages. Cats and coffee grounds do not go together. And this is great if you are having trouble with cats littering up...
Everything You Need To Know About Fake Wasp Nests
Buy on Amazon Wasps are aggressive pests that have a painful and potentially dangerous sting. Luckily you don’t have to risk serious injury in order to keep them away. A much easier option is to use a fake wasp nest to deter them. And here is everything you’ll need to...
How To Use Orange Peels To Deter Cats
Are you tired of neighborhood cats wreaking havoc in your garden or yard? What if we told you that there is a simple, natural, and effective solution to repel them? Enter the humble orange peel to deter cats, a surprisingly powerful DIY cat repellent that has been...
The Complete Guide To Bird Cannons
Buy on Amazon Birds and other pests can be a huge nuisance for farmers, businesses, and homeowners in rural areas. They can cause an incredible amount of damage, a loss of income, and also be a major safety concern. A bird cannon is a cost-effective and highly...
Types Of Pest Birds
Pest birds come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However they all have one thing in common: they can be a real nuisance to us humans in one way or another. The following are the most common types of pest birds you’re likely to encounter. European Starling The...
Dead Vulture Decoys: The Beginner’s Guide
Buy on Amazon Vultures in flight can look elegant as they soar high above. However, these large birds can be a big problem once they’ve decided to land on your property. A dead vulture decoy is one of the most efficient tools for deterring these pests. And here...
The Total Guide To Dead Crow Decoys
Buy on Amazon Whether you live in the country, suburbs, or even the city, dealing with pest crows can be a significant problem. One of the most effective methods for controlling these nuisance birds is using a dead crow decoy. This all-in-one guide will cover...
Falcon Decoys: Everything You Need To Know
Buy on Amazon Dealing with the damage and mess caused by pest birds is never fun. However, you actually don’t need to spend much time or money in order to get rid of birds and other pest species. With the help of a falcon decoy, you can take advantage of their natural...
All About Hawk Decoys
Buy on Amazon Pest birds can make a huge mess and cause a lot of expensive damage. To help keep birds and other pests away, a hawk decoy is an effective and safe solution. So here is your complete guide to them. Why A Hawk Decoy? Hawks are one of the most widespread...
The Complete Great Blue Heron Decoy Guide
Buy on Amazon A hungry heron can easily make a meal out of expensive pond fish. One of the most effective methods for protecting your pond from these smart birds is with a great blue heron decoy. Here is your complete guide to them, with all the info and tips you’ll...
How To Keep Blue Herons Out Of Your Pond
Great blue herons are one of the biggest problems that pond owners face. These birds are not only smart but can easily catch and swallow large numbers of surprisingly big pond fish. Therefore you’ll need to know how to keep blue herons out of your pond in order to...
How To Get Rid Of Snapping Turtles In The Pond
Buy on Amazon While there are some turtle species that can live peacefully in backyard ponds snapping turtles are typically not one of them. Not only are they carnivorous but also potentially dangerous. However before you try and catch one, you’ll want to know how to...
Live Animal Cage Trap Tips For Success
Buy on Amazon Pests can be a major hassle; they can cause costly damage, make a mess, and can even spread disease. Many homeowners choose to trap pests on their own using what are known as live animal cage traps. These traps are totally humane and allow you to safely...
Common Pond Pests And How To Deal With Them
While there are many benefits to owning a pond, one of the drawbacks is dealing with pests. And whether big or small they can definitely be a nuisance. Here are some of the most common pond pests you’re likely to encounter along with the basics on how to deal with...