If your pond seems to be missing fish, then there is a good chance that something wild is feeding at it’s edges. This is not only hazardous to your animals, the feces, feathers and other things that stray animals leave behind can be odorous, toxic and turn your pond into a slimy mess. Furthermore it is not fun to be retrieving the dead body of smaller furry animal from the bottom of a pond where it might have slipped and fell.
One of the most common predators of our fish is the heron. The most common sight, especially in the southern United States is the Great Blue Heron that stands about four feet tall and has a six-foot wingspan. These birds primarily feed on fish and frogs. ). There are different species of herons scattered around the country, but the most seen around the pond is the Great Blue Heron.
One way to discourage herons from visiting your pond is to use a decoy of a fake heron. As herons don’t like to feed on another heron’s turf, they will respect the fake heron’s feeding territory and stay away.
Leaf netting, a scarecrow, artificial and electric fencing (not really recommended but apparently effective) also can keep these clever bird away and also discourage as smaller furry animals like raccoons and foxes from feasting at your waters.
Leaf netting should be placed over the pond over the fall and winter to keep hungry birds from feeding and eliminating near the pond.
You can use a sprinkler alarm like the Scarecrow. This is a sprinkler with a motion sensor that only activates when animals are near. When a heron, or anything else, crosses its path, it emits a burst of water, frightening away the birds. However, the Scarecrow may not deter birds that swoop down to feed such as owls, seagulls and kingfishers.
The electric fence can be installed around the perimeter of the pond, giving a small jolt to any creature that decides to venture to the pond as well.
Raccoons are the most common visitors to residential ponds. As raccoons are nocturnal creatures, they tend to creep into your yard and swipe your fish at night. One way of dealing with this is to call your local animal control that can deal with the raccoons in a humane fashion by releasing them into the wild.
Do not be afraid to get professional help if the problem is out of control.