I put a net to cover my pond for this fall to keep out the leaves. It has worked great but it has caused some problems that I didn't expect.

- Snakes get in and must be very happy to see the many frogs that are trapped inside.

- Other frogs get left outside but trying to get in. Or sometimes they get completely tangled up in it the net.

- Dragonflies are found inside caught-up trying to get out.




I thought of leaving a space to allow entry or exit but it kinda defeats the purpose.

???

Roj, I've got my net pulled taught across the pond, anchored on top my big boulders using a smaller rock on top the net to hold in place. Covered area extends past the edges of the pond itself. It's a foot off the water, including the edges in some places. Seems to work fine. A few leaves get under but not many.

I have similar problems. I check the net twice a day for animals trapped in or out. Normally, that means the larger green frogs on top of the net on warm days. The smaller frogs go through the holes. This year, I had to cut the net to release a frog that really had wedged himself into the holes. I've found the light and loose green nylon net is easier to deal with then the tight black plastic ones. When it's cold, the frogs stay under. For my smaller pond, I have one end of the net suspended over a bunch of weeds which makes a canopy so frogs can come and go there. This year, a male box turtle was found stuck under the net. Most years, dozens of dragonflies get stuck under the net when I first put it on, at least a dozen die each year except this year. This year, I haven't seen a single one! That's not good. Maybe the drought prevented their births in the natural ponds around. A few years ago, a flock of cedar waxwings got stuck in the net coming to drink and a few died as a result. For that reason, my mother says I'm evil for putting the "death trap" over the pond. I just don't know how to keep the leaves (and raccoons and herons) out of the pond but let in the other wildlife. So, this is one case where I need help/advice more than those I'm supposed to be able to help! She says just take off the net but I can imagine the resulting cesspool would be toxic and kill the animals after a few years of literally thousands of leaves that fall in!!

The best way i found to cover a pond is with netting made by Dewitt. It is a tight 3/8" hole woven material that wont rip easily. I been using my for about 10yrs and i have one hole that i just zip tied closed. To keep everything out i took
1 1/2" pvc and cut in 18" lengths as stakes. Hammered into the ground on each side of the pond and then took 1 1/4" pvc and made a length about 5ft longer than pond size. But one end in the stake and then bend to fit into the other stake. This makes a tent when you but your net over it. Around the edges use the anchoring pins every 12" after rolling the edge of the net tight. By doing it this way the net stays off the water and when it snows the pvc will bend and bounce back when the snow melts.

Great idea, JRN. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge/experience.

Welcome aboard.