Having a water feature or pond installed on your property can transform a yard from a bland landscape into a calming oasis. People here in the Triangle often add to their backyard ponds with plants and even fish. All of this is very appealing to the eye, but not just the human eye.

Some pests are also attracted to ponds, and you will likely need to be aware of which species to watch out for and how to react to each of them.

Birds

There is a lot of birds to like about your pond, especially if there are fish present. Ponds also attract insects (which we’ll discuss later) so birds will swoop in to eat them. More predatory birds will take a particular interest in the fish in the pond. The blue heron is very plentiful in North Carolina, and, despite being a beautiful sight, they are not a welcome sight to the fish. A heron can empty out a small pond in a short period if not stopped.

Other birds to keep an eye out for are hawks, eagles, owls, egrets, and crows. Having a deep center to the pond where fish can escape to, especially with a structure that offers protection, can be a good answer to this problem.

Raccoons

Raccoons may be the most commonly-mentioned pond pest. They don’t mind jumping in the shallow water, although they prefer not to swim, and will spend the night hunting and eating your pond fish. Making the edges of the pond deep, rather than a gradual slope, will discourage them from entering. Some even add screens on top of the water to act as a barrier.

Muskrats

These large rodents are relatives of the beaver and are common in North Carolina. They love water and will burrow into the banks on the side of bodies of water. Muskrats can quickly tear up the pristine structure of your pond and make a mess of all your work. Because they are expert burrowers, muskrats are elusive and may require a professional animal control service to get rid of them.

Insects

While your pond fish may enjoy the increase in insects, your pond plants may not. Caterpillars, larvae from various species, snails, slugs, aphids, and worms can all quickly eliminate expensive plants. Depending on the offending bug, different strategies can be taken to fight back and save your flora. Mosquitoes may not harm plants, but they are another unwelcome pest that could build a presence in your pond. Having moving water (using pumps and fountains) is a good way to prevent the stagnant environment mosquitoes enjoy.

Critter Control of the Triangle is here to help when you need it!

When all else fails, there is no shame in calling in the experts. Critter Control of the Triangle is a full-service animal control firm serving Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Morrisville, Garner, Wake Forest and the surrounding areas. Give us a call at (919) 382-0651 if your pond has come under attack and we’ll get to the bottom of it.