How to Safely Remove Ducks From Swimming Pool

Ducks are naturally drawn to water so it's not hard to believe that they may find your pool the perfect place to rest and relax. Unfortunately, they sometimes like it so much they want to build their nests in your shrubs and use your pool on a regular basis. Female ducks are especially prone to bringing their young to private pools in order to escape the threat of male ducks in the wild. Allowing mothers and their ducklings to move in means they need to occupy the backyard for at least eight to 10 weeks.

Things You'll Need

Pool cover or substitute

Instructions

- 1
  Refrain from feeding the ducks as this will only keep them around longer.
- 2
  Place a ramp in the pool to help ducklings get out. Use an old window screen or any kind of surface that will not be too slippery on webbed feet. Ducklings do not have the strength to swim for as long as an adult duck and since they can not yet fly, so they will be unable to get out of the pool on their own and could drown. The ramp gives them a way to get out when they are ready.
- 3
  Open the gate to allow the ducks a place to leave from.
- 4
  Cover the pool with a pool cover or tarp as soon as the ducks get out. Keep the pool covered except when in use. In lieu of a pool cover you can place beach balls and floating devices all over the surface of the pool to stop ducks from returning. Ducks tend to stay out of pools that appear to be in use.
- 5
  Shoo the ducks toward the gate, carefully if ducklings are involved, to encourage them to leave your yard. When ducklings are involved, scaring the mother may cause her to abandon them indefinitely.
- 6
  Call a duck rehabilitator in your area if you are unsuccessful in removing the ducks. Only a licensed rehabilitator may legally, physically remove the ducks from your property if you reside in the United States, due to federal laws.
- 7
  Prevent future duck invasions by cutting back shrubs and trees and removing any possible food sources.