How to Stop Wild Ducks From Roosting

Wild ducks will look for a source of water to roost and nest near. They can make a mess of your yard or pool; if ducklings hatch they can drown in pools because they can't get out. The best way to discourage roosting and nesting ducks is to scare them away and to remove any nests before they lay eggs. It's not illegal to scare away ducks or remove nests but it is illegal to harm adult ducks or baby ducklings after they hatch.

Things You'll Need

  • Pool cover
  • Inflated swan
  • Reflective mylar strips
  • Rope or string
  • Electronic duck-repelling devices
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut back shrubbery. Mallard ducks look for places to hide and build nests. Cut back bushes and shrubs to discourage nesting.

    • 2

      Cover swimming pools. Ducks roost and nest in areas where they have access to water. Covering the pool discourages them from roosting on your property.

    • 3

      Float an inflatable swan in your pool. Swans are natural enemies of ducks and they will avoid your property if they think a swan resides there.

    • 4

      Run rope or string over the pool and hang reflective mylar strips from it to frighten away ducks and discourage them from landing in the pool.

    • 5

      Remove nesting material before the female can lay her eggs. The mallard looks for hiding places behind bushes and shrubs and in ivy and ground cover to build its nest.

    • 6

      Set up electronic duck-repelling devices near roosting sites. These devices use sound to frighten away ducks. Some plug into electrical outlets and others are battery-operated.