[MrGreenStreet]

Hi All,
I live near the wetlands in Collier and I recently had a landscaper come quote me on installing a nice little waterfall in the back yard. Our pest control guy came today and we discussed the fixture, and he informed me that there are a ton of critters (snakes and rats) that will come if we have something like that. Has anyone had an experience they can share with a backyard water fixture?
Let me know please,
Bob

[DeanFL]

Bob,

I installed a "front"yard waterfall with fountain - there 3+ years now. Zero critters as far as I can tell - no droppings etc. Does attract birds but they are not intrusive at all, enjoyable. We are 1 house/across street away from the Bonifay golf course and pond. Neighbors backed up right on the course have had critter issues - rats, messy ducks. All we've seen is rabbits on this side. Very pleased with our water feature, enhances the landscape so much. I have the small pond- with fountain- auto fill from our house water with a small float valve simliar to a toilet, so it always is at the correct level.

As for critters - I'd think that location -woods/pond/trees would have a lot of impact. The wetlands...ouch - if it was me, I'd scratch off a water feature...

[villagetinker]

Two neighbors have outdoor water features, I have not heard anything from either about critters, however, at least one neighbor has had to spend lots of time keeping the water feature clean, from leaves, dust and dirt, etc., we are in the process of rebuilding the water portion to make it much easier or to eliminate the need for cleaning.

[billethkid]

We have a very large waterfall at the back end of our pool.
Have had it for 10 years....of course it is inside the birdcage. No issue with critters.

In 13 years we have had one garter snake get in the cage.

[MrGreenStreet]

Thanks for the input

[kcrazorbackfan]

We had a waterfall at every downspout during today's downpour.

[hvacgolfer]

Bob, I have a water feature that includes two waterfalls that feed into a retention area that includes a fountain. With lights it becomes very enjoyable at night. Have learned the maintenance needed and it causes no problems. No critter problem. Have seen a snake or two, but they could have come from anywhere. A Touch of Paradise installed mine... they did a great job. Have had it nearly three years.

[twopjt]

We have a four tier waterfall outside our birdcage. From seats in the laini it almost looks like it's feeding into the pool and we love the sound of the falling splashing water. No critter issues that I expect is being helped by my adding a chlorine tablet every other week to prevent algae blooms.

[Bjeanj]

I have what the previous owner called a Zen pond in the back yard. Shallow with a small fountain that circulates the water. Unfortunately, the previous owner planted a bougainvillea close to it, so once a week, especially after a medium wind, I get leaves/blossoms in there that I have to net out. If I forget the once a week chlorine tablets, I get frog eggs in there, which I also have to net out. Found a dead frog and baby snake in there, too, along with those small "crunchy" bugs (don't know what they are). Nice feature, but a pain in the rear to maintain.