How can you tell Blue Heron 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.

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

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors either use water or sound to scare off Heron. These are a great way to let the fish know to go and hide as well as to frighten the predator into not coming into your pond.

Dogs– the Ultimate Pond Predator Deterrent!

A dog can be the best deterrent to predators like Blue Heron.   Not every dog though has the demeanor to chase after prey so we recommend bird dogs like: Labradors, Spaniels, Pointers, English Setters, etc.  These dogs have it in their blood to hunt and go after predators, especially those darned Blue Heron.

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.  These are a great way to frighten away the Pond Predators.

Plant Cover

Water Lilies and other floating plants that cover the top of your pond will help hide your fish and will give them enough time to escape predators. We recommend covering no more than 50% of your pond with plants, which will give your fish plenty of cover, as well as adding extra oxygen to your pond during the hot summer months.

Pond Predator 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

The best way to handle predators getting into your pond.  Give them a place to hide!  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.

 Fishing Line

You can string fishing line around the perimeter of pond hung at 8” and 15”. Heron cannot see the line but can feel it when they contact it which scares them.

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

This netting does work to deter predators but it can detract from the beauty of your pond. In addition, pond netting causes problems if you have pond plants.  The plants can grow through the net and create holes.

Important Tips

• Rotate deterrent methods to avoid predator habituation.
• Avoid feeding fish at regular times if it draws attention to them.

Keep Vigilant!

Regardless of which steps you take, make sure you move things around often and stay on your toys.  Heron are sneaky!  Just try to stay one step ahead and always be on your toes!  Contact us for more information.

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