Duck Management & Control
Humane solutions for duck conflicts in urban and suburban areas
About Urban Ducks
Several species of ducks have adapted well to urban and suburban environments, particularly Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa). While these waterfowl can add charm to properties with water features, they sometimes create conflicts when nesting or feeding in inappropriate locations.
Behavior
Ducks often nest considerable distances from water, leading to conflicts when nests are established in landscaped areas, gardens, or near buildings.
Nesting Season
Spring and early summer are peak nesting periods, with females laying 8-13 eggs that hatch after about 28 days.
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and unfortunately, often landscaping and garden plants when in urban settings.
Site Fidelity
Ducks often return to successful nesting sites year after year, making prevention crucial for long-term conflict resolution.
Common Duck-Related Issues
Property Damage
- Damage to landscaping and gardens
- Nesting material accumulation
- Erosion around water features
Health & Safety
- Slip hazards from droppings
- Water contamination concerns
- Aggressive behavior during nesting
Property Use Conflicts
- Interference with recreational areas
- Nesting in inappropriate locations
- Attraction of additional waterfowl
Our Duck Management Approach
We use humane, legal methods to manage duck conflicts while respecting wildlife protection laws.
Assessment
Thorough evaluation of property features attracting ducks and potential conflict areas.
Prevention
Installation of deterrents and barriers before nesting season begins.
Modification
Habitat modifications to make areas less attractive to nesting ducks.
Education
Guidance on proper interaction and feeding policies to prevent future conflicts.
Prevention Strategies
We implement these effective preventative measures to manage duck conflicts:
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Habitat Modification
Adjusting landscape features to make areas less attractive for nesting and feeding.
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Physical Barriers
Installing appropriate fencing and barriers around water features and potential nesting areas.
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Deterrent Systems
Using visual and physical deterrents that discourage ducks while maintaining property aesthetics.
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Maintenance Programs
Regular monitoring and adjustment of prevention measures to ensure long-term effectiveness.
Duck Management FAQs
Yes, most duck species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This means it's illegal to harm, harass, or remove ducks without proper permits. Our management solutions focus on humane deterrence and habitat modification.
When dealing with nesting ducks, we must wait until the ducklings have hatched and left the nest before implementing any exclusion measures. We can help create safe corridors for duck families to reach water and provide guidance on temporary property modifications during nesting season.
While ducks can be enjoyable to watch, they can create issues including accumulation of droppings on walkways and recreational areas, damage to landscaping and gardens, attraction of other wildlife, and potential slip hazards from droppings on hard surfaces.
Prevention methods include modifying habitat to make it less attractive to nesting ducks, installing physical barriers before nesting season begins, and using legal deterrent methods. We can assess your property and recommend the most effective combination of prevention strategies.
Need Help Managing Ducks?
Contact us for effective, legal solutions that protect both your property and these protected birds.
Contact Us Today