How to Keep Raccoons Out of Ponds

Raccoons seem to be everywhere these days, from rural neighborhoods, to busy city streets. Anyone who has had these masked bandits raid their backyard pond can attest to what a nuisance raccoons can be. There are no surefire ways to keep Raccoons from eating pond fish, as these animals can be crafty. Nevertheless, here are some ways that may work to keep raccoons from treating your pond like an all-you-can-eat buffet.

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. Raccoons may be too scared of falling into the water to pursue the fish. A steep edge also gives the fish more directions in which to escape the claws of a raccoon, as they can opt to swim down and away from their masked attackers.

Pond owners have found that a flagstone ledge overhanging the pond works to deter Raccoons as well. Again, a flagstone ledge encourages a raccoon to just reach in, rather than jump into, the pond. The flagstone lip adds an area where fish can quickly get out of sight.

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 predatory raccoons. The heavier the stone the better, as this will prevent raccoons from lifting up the rock to get at the fish. Some people use large, heavy clay pots to provide hiding spots for fish. Lots of pond plants will also give fish areas in which to retreat from hungry raccoons.

Granular Repellents

There are many critter repellents that can be applied to gardens to deter raccoons from entering the area. These repellents are sprinkled around the perimeter of the pond, and emit an odor raccoons do not like. Outdoor granular repellents are available at most home and garden and pond supply stores.

Motion Detectors

Installing motion detectors that flood the backyard with light as a raccoon gets close to the pond often scares them away. Motion detectors are also handy to have when entering your backyard at night. Adding visibility and increasing security, motion detectors are must haves for any backyard pond owner.

Deer Scarers

These are simple water features that can be 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 signals raccoons to run away. It is wise to move a deer scarer around the pond every few days, so that the raccoon 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 raccoons out of your pond. As raccoons spread throughout urban areas and become more and more tolerant of people, sometimes a net is the only thing that will keep them out.

There is no one way to keep raccoons out of your pond. What deters some raccoons doesn’t even phase others, so some experimentation between different methods is often necessary. If the problem persists and escalates into becoming more serious, it is wise to inform your local animal control organization.