Protecting your Garden Pond from Pesky Predators

Notice any fish disappearing lately? While herons are present year-round, water gardeners notice the challenges they bring to the pond in spring and early summer when herons feed their young.

An adult heron needs about 13 ounces of food daily, which is equivalent to three 6" koi. If herons find an easy source of food (i.e. colorful fish in a shallow pond), they'll return on several consecutive days. They can quickly decimate your fish population.

They're generally shy birds who typically visit early in the morning or in the evening, when everything is quiet.

Prevent herons from attacking your fish with these simple precautions. If you do lose some fish, don't resort to harming or killing the herons; they are a protected species.

? Netting: The most effective deterrent for herons is to suspend a net 6"-12" above the pond surface. Make sure the net is taut and cannot fall into the pond if the heron tried to land on it and spear the fish through it.

? Heron Scarers: Some work on a "trip-wire" basis, producing a loud noise while others use a sound inaudible to the human ear. Others sense the presence of heron using infrared detection, and scare them away by spraying a high-pressure jet of water.

? Plastic Herons: Based on the principle that herons are territorial and don't feed close to one another, artificial plastic herons are popular. Unfortunately, they aren't effective year-round. In late winter and early spring, herons' search for a mate may actually attract more herons to your pond.

? Pond Design: Dense growths of tall marginal plants or shrubs around the pond will limit the herons' access to the water. Ensuring the pond side is steep and the water is 8"-12" below the edge of the pond also helps since the heron will not be able to reach the fish.

**************************************************
Brett Fogle is the owner of MacArthur Water Gardens and several
other pond-related websites including MacArthurWatergardens.com
and Pond-Filters-Online.com. He also publishes a free monthly
newsletter called PondStuff! with a reader circulation of over
9,000. To sign up for the free newsletter and receive our FREE
'New Pond Owners Guide' visit MacArthur Water Gardens today!
**************************************************

---

Lawn Disease And What To Do About It

Every lawn, whether new or established, is susceptible to a... Read More

Water Pond Designs

You can have different water pond designs, however ones that... Read More

Enjoy Creating and Growing a Sustainable Garden While Feeding Your Family

A sustainable garden means one that can be sustained over... Read More

Working with Landscape Contractors

Having a beautiful and functional landscape is every homeowners dream.... Read More

Gardening Tips for Early - Mid July

Now we are fast approaching the hottest time of the... Read More

Can Your Sundial Really Tell The Time?

"I am a sundial, and I make a botch Of... Read More

How to Grow Cooking Herbs

Grow your own cooking herbs to add fresh zest and... Read More

Decorate Your Outdoor Spaces on a Budget!

Many times when the weather becomes sultry, the only place... Read More

Rock Gardens - A Different Kind of Garden

Planting a Rock Garden is a great alternative to the... Read More

All about Tulip Gardens

As the curtain of winter lifts, tulips are one of... Read More

Ten Considerations Before You Buy A Bird House

When you decide to buy one bird house or more... Read More

Marsh Marigold

The bright yellow flowers of the marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)... Read More

Patio Accessories ? Complete The Great Outdoors

Patio accessories can range from small to large and of... Read More

What Is One Flower Benefit That You Know Of?

The biggest flower benefit of all is the fact that... Read More

Ecological Landscape Design and Organic Lawn Care

There is a growing recognition, that the expanding suburban landscape... Read More

What is the Right Plant and Where Do I Put It?

Know if your plants are disease-susceptible. Your choice of plants... Read More

Wildlife Gardener

Gardening for wildlife has become quite a passion for me,... Read More

A Look at Fall Flower Bulbs

Most people would think of fall as a season when... Read More

Sculpture Can Bring Life to Your Garden

I should know: I've been a sculptor most of my... Read More

Mix Perennials into Your Garden for Staying Power

Perennial plants and flowers stay around for more than just... Read More

Teak Patio Table - Why You Need One

Do you love to cook outdoors but end up having... Read More

How to Raise House Plants from Seeds Easily

The principal house plants which are easy to raise by... Read More

How to Grow Basil

Today there are sprays, scented candles, plug-ins, and even discs... Read More

Budget For Your Garden

Have you ever thought about how much it costs to... Read More

Gardening in Containers

Every Garden can benefit from the addition of container gardens.... Read More