Great Blue Herons

Tips for dealing with Nuisance Great Blue Herons

NOTE:  There are also many companies authorized to capture pest mammals, i.e. raccoons, squirrels, opossums, etc., however, no company is legally allowed to trap, remove, injure, or kill any species of bird native to North America.

The problem of the nuisance of Great Blue Herons eating fish from decorative koi ponds and gardens is common.

While there is no sure-fire way to prevent fish loss to predators, here is a list of measures you might want to try.

  • Make at least part of your pond over 3 feet deep. That is too deep for herons to walk and will give the fish a place to hide.
  • Submerge a structure in the pond, like a trash can, for fish to hide in.
  • Put a statue of a heron by the pond. Herons are territorial and will not come around if they think the fishing hole has been taken.
  • Put a net over your pond. It will keep out falling leaves as well as predators.
  • Purchase a motion-sensitive sprinkler to discourage herons.
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