Picture a peaceful, serene home pond. A beautiful scenery, relaxing sounds of nature, and the gentle breeze blowing across the water’s surface all come to mind.
Unfortunately, that vision has too often been shattered for owners who discover their once-pristine waters have been invaded by many unwelcome species.
Predators Can Invade Your Garden Pond Before You Even Notice
When it comes to garden ponds, the idea is not just to have water sitting around. That wouldn’t be very fun for anyone! Many people like to include plants and fish to make their landscapes more appealing.
Unfortunately, having plants and clean water attracts uninvited guests that can cause severe damage if they are not removed quickly enough. If you’re wondering what I’m talking about, then let me explain further.
Predators arrive at your pond by land, air, or water. Skunks, raccoons, possums, herons, amphibians, etc. Skunks, raccoons, and possums have a very strong sense of smell. When they recognize the scent of both fish and plants nearby (or under the water), their primal instinct kicks in and drives them to eat whatever it is they can find nearby.
Since these animals tend to be nocturnal creatures, you don’t realize what damage has been done until it’s too late. Luckily, there are several things you can do to prevent this from happening in the first place.
How Do You Keep Predators Away While Keeping The Pond Beautiful?
Here are some effective tricks to consider:
- Hiding Places: The fish’s natural habitat is in dark water with plenty of hiding spots, so building fish caves and having aquatic plants floating on your pond provides a refuge from predators and gives them shade.
- Motion Sensors: Using light or sound devices activated by motion to scare predators are an inexpensive and effective way that will startle away any animals when they get near your water’s edge.
- Dogs: They are very effective at keeping other animals away from your property. The best type of dog is one that barks loudly on command.
- Fishing Line: Attaching a small spool of fishing line across your pond in a zigzag pattern will act as a physical barrier, giving your fish time to hide.
- Decoys: Realistic representations of natural rivals of your predators will keep them away. They won’t risk it.
- Pond Netting: Covering your pond at night or seasonally when predators are most active safeguards the fish from any potential threats mitigating predation since predators cannot access the pond itself.
Keep Your Garden Pond In Pristine State With The Experts
Remember that ponds are meant to add beauty and appeal to your yard or property – not become home for unwanted visitors who will add more stress to your life! Taking preventative measures will help keep all predators away while also maintaining your pond’s clean, natural look.
If you’ve been looking for koi pond builders in St Louis, look no further than Clarity Ponds. Specialized in ponds and water garden pools, we’ve been building custom koi ponds since 2017. Our focus on quality craftsmanship allows us to be second to none. Clarity Ponds’ koi pond specialists are here for any questions you may have.