Best Heron Deterrents for Your Pond (Effective Repellent & Control)

by Tory Jon | Last Updated: March 11, 2024

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Pond Netting

Placing a net or cover over your pond is a simple and effective way to protect your fish from all types of heron (blue heron, grey heron, etc.). Using a fishing line to deter herons (simply stretching it across your pond in a net-like pattern) is another similar DIY heron deterrent.

This method makes it more difficult for a bird to wade into your pond and snag fish out of it. Just remember to use heavy-duty pond netting and securely fasten it around the entire perimeter of the pond.

While protecting your pond with netting is an effective way to keep predators out, it can be unsightly and, in the opinion of many pond owners, can take away from the beauty of your pond or water garden.

Automatic Heron Sprinkler

Herons are skittish birds, therefore scare away easily when spooked. And a motion-activated sprinkler is a safe and effective way to spook these predators when they come near your pond or water garden.

Motion-activated sprinklers, like the one I recommend here or the popular ScareCrow Heron Deterrent spray, are a humane way to repel predators and pests from your pond. They simply detect a predator nearing your pond through motion and spray them with water to effectively scare them off.

This method can work for multiple types of predators and works around the clock, even when you're sleeping.

Blue Heron Decoy

If you want to attract ducks to your pond, one method is to place duck decoys in your pond as they feel safe in numbers.

Herons operate a little differently. In fact, placing a blue heron decoy in your pond has proven to be a great way to repel herons (not attract them)!

Herons are territorial birds and prefer to feed alone, so if they think other herons are already feeding at your pond, they will be more likely to avoid the area and continue flying by.

While this is a humane way to deter herons, it doesn't always work. If certain herons frequent your area and continually notice your decoys in your pond, they may, over time, feel like the decoys aren't a threat. There's not much you can do about this except try moving your heron decoys around to trick them into thinking they are real.

Blue heron decoys are cheap, so they are worth trying out. And we always recommend using them in combination with other methods mentioned here.

Alligator Decoy

Alligator decoys are not only fun pond decorations, but they are also a means of effective predator control, including herons.

This alligator decoy provides a real-life look that even appears to be moving with wind and water movement. And since herons are the natural prey of alligators, these decoys are a pretty effective heron repellent.

However, if you live in an environment without alligators, then the heron will likely not be afraid of the decoy.

Bird Scare Tape

Bird scare tape is an effective repellent for all kinds of birds, including geese, ducks, pigeons, and, of course, herons!

This type of tape combines an iridescent material with a flashy, shimmering surface and a crinkling sound that effectively scares off many species of birds, including grey and blue heron.

And not only is it a humane and safe bird repeller, but it's also incredibly easy to install (just cut into strips and hang around your pond), is eco-friendly, and is non-toxic.

Make Fish Less Visible

An effective way to stop herons from visiting your koi pond is to make its inhabitants less visible. This can be done by using pond dye, setting up a waterfall or fountain, and adding floating plants to your pond or water garden.

Pond dye, for example, is used to enhance the look of your pond. But, it can also be used to hide your fish, as herons passing over won't be able to see your fish swimming through the dye (as long as they aren't near the water's surface).

Waterfalls and fountains provide a consistent source of water agitation. This rippling water will help deter herons and make it harder for them to see fish below the surface.

Pond plants, especially the floating types, provide valuable hiding spots for your fish. As a bonus, they can help oxygenate your water and clean it by filtering out pollutants.

Fish Shelter

Preventing all herons from visiting your pond may not be possible, so it's a good idea to give the koi, goldfish, or other pond fish a chance to protect themselves.

If they don't have any hiding spots under ledges in your pond, then add an aluminum and mesh fish shelter!

This 18 x 12-inch long shelter provides a safe barrier from predators, including blue herons. They also provide shade for your fish on sunny days.

Heron Deterrent FAQs

How Do Herons Take Fish From Ponds?

Herons typically stand very still in shallow regions of a pond, patiently waiting, and when a fish comes within range, they will thrust their head forward, impaling the fish with its spear-shaped bill. This is known as a "bill stab". They will even throw up into your pond so that your fish will come running (ok, swimming) thinking it's food!

Do Herons Fish at Night?

Typically, herons will search for food in the early morning hours or at dusk. However, they can and will feed all night long, especially if it's a full moon or well-lit area.

Do Heron Decoys Work?

Yes, heron decoys can work to help deter herons. Decoys work on the principle that herons are territorial birds and prefer to feed alone. If they think other herons are already searching for food at your pond, they will be more likely to avoid it and continue flying by. However, they don't always work. And it's best to combine them with other methods to keep herons away from your water.

How Do I Keep Predators Out of My Fish Pond?

You can effectively keep most predators out of your pond, for example, herons, raccoons, snakes, cranes, etc., by combining multiple techniques mentioned in this article, including:

• Using pond netting which acts as a barrier or pond guard to keep predators out.
• Decoys that are designed to help keep pond predators away. Alligator heads can be useful to deter herons, etc., while owl decoys will help get rid of snakes and other predators.
• A motion-activated sprinkler to help repel predators as they near your pond or water garden.

There are less common options, such as repellents that emit loud sounds and an electric fence that produces an electrical shock when touched. But we haven't had much luck with using sounds as a repellent (and they can be annoying), and shocking wildlife isn't the most humane or safe option.

And keep in mind that it can be difficult to keep all predators out of your pond, so provide your fish with ample hiding shelters to protect themselves in the event a predator does visit.