Pond Nets and Heron Deterrent Are Your Koi’s Best Defence
Water gardeners of Europe beware! There is a creature out there preying upon your Japanese koi and goldfish. Actually, there are several, but one of the biggest threats to your garden pool inhabitants is the great Grey heron of the Heron family Ardeidae. You are there, enjoying your garden, you go inside for a cup of tea, and when you return, the Grey Heron has swooped down from the sky and is standing in your pond gulping down your expensive fish. Pond nets and a heron deterrent are among the most popular ways to keep the big birds away. Most herons will only tangle with pond nets once before flying away to look for easier prey.
The Neighbourhood Cat
Other critters will slip into your yard and steal away your fish including your neighbour’s cat if you are not wary.  Whether you live in the town or in the country, cats are hard to keep out of your garden and are bold enough to waltz right into your yard and do a spot of fishing in your pond.
Rocky Raccoon
The wily raccoon may be just about the smartest fish-stealing animal that you will have to deal with. Known as the original critter in the southern zones of North America, the raccoon will think of creative ways to get those fish without being caught, like night raids. They are smart enough to watch your comings and goings and will figure out the best time to have dinner on you. Raccoons came to Europe by escaping from zoos and by being released into the woods. A gadget called a scarecrow may help prevent your fish from disappearing due to raccoons. A water hose and sprayer activated by a motion detector may sound lame, but the scarecrow has been proven effective. Unfortunately, it cannot be used during the winter in harsher climates.
Herons Pose the Biggest Threat
When you get right down to it, the pond nets are your best defence from those animals that would deprive you of your fish. The worst of the pond predators is the heron. They are bold and do not scare easily. It was once thought that putting a decoy next to your garden pool would prevent the heron from striking. These birds are very territorial and are hesitant to come around if another bird is present; however, we now know that the heron is smarter than your average bird and can tell the difference between a live and fake heron. Fortunately, a heron deterrent is available now that is very successful at repelling the big birds. Our water gardens, or garden pools as some people call them attract wildlife by their very nature. Regardless of how you plan, there will always be some critter or another looking for an easy meal so stay diligent and keep the fish in your garden pond safe.
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