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Deter Pond Predators!

 


Predators Can Come By Land, Air Or Water But Using Decoys, Alternate Food Sources, Repellents, Hiding Places and Netting Can Help Keep Your Fish Alive And Well!



When you have a backyard pond or outdoor space, it's only natural to expect Mother Nature to swing by for a visit.  This is especially true if you keep your pond stocked with fish.  Predators looking for food will naturally be drawn to such convenience to hunt but there are a few ways you can protect your fish.

First of all, it's important to know who the predators are and where they are coming from.  
 
Land - Find out from your local animal control or fish and game department what predators are prone to your region.  You can have variety of predators such as: raccoons, muskrats, beavers, otters, foxes, opossums or bears that enjoy hunting fish.  Fences may keep larger predators at bay but smaller creatures can sneak into many backyards.

Water - Take note if you have a creek, lake, river or other body of water near your property.  Bullfrogs, snapping turtles and other amphibians can make their way to your pond through wet grass or heavy rains that naturally displace them.  Many of these creatures will eat small fish.

Air - Luckily, most birds won't bother with your pond and there are only two species you need to prepare for: Herons and Kingfishers.  They are typically found near bodies of water (good hunting grounds) so be cautious if you live near such areas or do your research to find out if you should expect to see them.  If not deterred, these birds can easily wipe out your Koi pond in a matter of hours.

Some of the best ways to keep predators of all sorts away is to focus on deterrents.  Netting over your pond at night during the spring and fall is a fantastic way to prevent predators from being able to reach the fish.  You can also put bird feeders or waterers on the complete opposite side of your property, far away from your fish, to draw them away.  There are also a large variety of repellents you can purchase that affect the smell and taste of many predators making your fish wholly unappealing.

Two of the BEST methods for deterring predators is to place decoys and give your fish ample hiding spots.  Placing a decoy, such as a snake or owl, near your pond deters many creatures who are not looking for a fight.  Move your decoys frequently so the animals won't catch on that they are, in fact, fake.

As far as hiding spots go, always think of it this way: your fish can't be eaten if they can't be caught.  Floating vegetation and rock structures underwater provide amazing cover for fish.  In the case of water creatures, like otter, use a fish refuge (a hard mesh cage that only lets fish in).  Terra Cotta pots and PVC piping underwater are also great ways to let your fish hide out if being hunted.

No matter where you live, even if you only utilize basic deterrents, taking action and being proactive is the right step in keeping your fish around to see another day.


For help with deterrents, winterization, repair services and more, contact our Laughing Water Pond Maintenance specialists at 708.586.2393 or visit our main site: laughingwatersinc.com.







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Location: Palos Heights, IL, USA

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