How to Keep Herons Out of Ponds

Anyone who has been unfortunate enough to attract a heron to their backyard pond know what a nuisance these birds can be. Herons often treat a backyard water garden like an all-you-can-eat buffet, gobbling up fish almost as soon as they are put into the pond. Though there is no surefire way to prevent this from happening, here are some tips that often work to keep herons out of ponds.

Decoys

A plastic heron decoy often works to keeps herons out of ponds. When a heron sees the decoy, the bird thinks another male heron has claimed the pond as his own territory. The only problem with heron decoys is that the real herons often figure out the decoy is not real.

To prevent herons from entering a pond, a heron decoy should be moved to a different spot in the pond every few days, so that herons flying by will think its real. If there is a heron in the area already, move the decoy to a different spot everyday, or even twice a day.

Make Sure the Pond has Steep Ledges

The edge of a pond should have a steep edge of at least 24 inches, rather than a gradual bank. Herons are usually too scared to wade into this depth of water. A steep edge also gives the fish more directions in which to escape the beak of a heron, as the pond fish can opt to swim down and away from their long-legged attackers.

Provide Hiding Spots for Fish

In the deepest part of the pond, there should be an area where the fish can get out of sight. Heavy materials, such as stone, should be used to create caves where fish can hide from herons. The heavier the stone the better, as this will prevent herons from tipping over the rocks to get at the fish. Some people use large clay pots to provide hiding spots for fish, while others use twelve inch clay piping.

Deer Scarers

Deer scarers work on other pond pests as well, such as raccoons and herons. These simple water features are hooked up to the aeration pump of a pond. Deer scarers are made to look like bamboo (but usually made out of poly resin) and are a basic type of lever system. As one bamboo shoot fills with water, it pivots downwards and empties, creating a sudden noise that scares herons away. It is wise to move a deer scarer around the pond every few days, so that the heron can not figure out where the noise is coming from.

Netting

When all else fails, it may be necessary to put a net over the surface of your pond. Though unsightly, it is sometimes the only way to keep herons out of your pond. Black netting can usually be purchased at any pond supply store.

Some pond owners opt to crisscross fishing line over a pond to keep out herons, as this does not look as bad as black netting. If a pond owner does not have the patience for such tedious work, a contractor can usually be found to install a fishing line net, or any other pest control features.

Once a heron has set its heart on calling your pond home, it can be difficult to change its mind. What works in one case may not work in another, so patience is often required when trying to keep a heron out of a pond. If one method does not work, try another, or even a combination of a few different methods, until the heron has moved on.