What to do about finding critters in your above ground pool?

In Houston, Texas, above-ground pools can attract a variety of local wildlife due to the region’s warm climate, abundant ecosystems, and urban-wildland interface. Houston’s proximity to bayous, forests, and the Gulf Coast creates a diverse environment where animals may seek out pools as a source of water, especially during hot and dry periods. Based on the local wildlife and environmental conditions, here are the types of animals you might encounter in an above-ground pool in Houston, along with some considerations for their presence.

Small Mammals

Houston’s urban and suburban areas are home to several small mammals that may end up in above-ground pools while searching for water or food:

• Raccoons: These clever, omnivorous animals are common in Houston and are known to explore pools, especially if there’s a food source nearby, like pet food or unsecured trash. Raccoons are strong swimmers but can struggle to climb out of steep-sided pools.
• Opossums: Often seen wandering through neighborhoods, opossums may fall into pools while foraging at night. They’re not strong swimmers and can drown if they can’t escape.
• Squirrels: Squirrels, abundant in Houston, may accidentally fall into pools while navigating trees or power lines. They can swim briefly but often tire quickly.
• Rats and Mice: These rodents are prevalent in urban areas and may end up in pools while seeking water. They’re small enough to drown easily if they can’t climb out.
• Armadillos: Nine-banded armadillos, native to Texas, are found in Houston’s outskirts. They may stumble into pools while digging for insects, though they’re more common in rural areas.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Houston’s humid subtropical climate supports a variety of reptiles and amphibians that are drawn to water sources like pools:

• Frogs and Toads: Frogs, such as tree frogs or southern leopard frogs, are frequently found in Houston pools. They may jump in, mistaking the pool for a pond, and struggle to escape due to the steep sides. Toads, like the Gulf Coast toad, may also be attracted to the water.
• Snakes: Houston is home to over 100 species of snakes, including non-venomous ones like rat snakes and garden snakes, which may end up in pools while hunting for prey or seeking water. Venomous species, such as copperheads (one of the four venomous snakes in the area), could also appear, though this is less common in urban settings.
• Lizards: Anole lizards and house geckos, common in Houston, may fall into pools while climbing nearby structures or vegetation.
• Turtles: Small turtles, such as red-eared sliders, might find their way into pools, especially if they’re near a bayou or pond. They can swim but may struggle to exit.
• Alligators: While rare in urban above-ground pools, small alligators have been spotted in Houston’s bayous and could potentially access a pool in a more rural or flood-prone area, especially after heavy rains.

Birds

Houston’s diverse bird population may also interact with above-ground pools:

• Small Birds: Species like sparrows, cardinals, or blue jays may attempt to drink from the pool and accidentally fall in. They can drown if they can’t escape.
• Herons and Egrets: Yellow-crowned night herons and blue herons, common in Houston, might be attracted to pools if they contain small fish or frogs. They’re less likely to fall in but may visit the area.
• Turkey Vultures or Hawks: These birds, observed in Houston, are unlikely to fall into pools but may be drawn to the area if there’s carrion or small animals nearby.

Other Animals

• River Otters: In rare cases, river otters have been spotted in Houston-area pools, as noted in a 2019 incident in The Woodlands where a homeowner found one swimming in their backyard pool. Otters are strong swimmers and may use pools as a temporary water source.
• Insects and Arachnids: Mosquitoes, bees, wasps, and spiders (including non-venomous orb-weavers) are often found in or around pools. They’re attracted to the water for drinking or breeding, especially if the pool isn’t properly maintained.
• Fish: While not naturally occurring, small fish could end up in a pool if floodwaters from nearby bayous or creeks overflow into the pool during heavy rains, a common occurrence in Houston due to its flood-prone geography.

Factors Influencing Animal Presence

Several factors make above-ground pools in Houston attractive to wildlife:

• Climate and Weather: Houston’s hot, humid summers (with temperatures often exceeding 90°F) drive animals to seek water sources. Above-ground pools, typically 48–54 inches tall, are accessible to many animals, especially if ladders or nearby structures provide entry points.
• Urban-Wildland Interface: Houston’s mix of urban areas, bayous, and green spaces (like Buffalo Bayou) creates habitats for wildlife. Animals like raccoons, opossums, and coyotes have adapted to city life and may explore residential pools.
• Pool Maintenance: Poorly maintained pools with cloudy water or debris (e.g., leaves, insects) attract animals like frogs and snakes, which feed on insects or seek breeding sites. Environmental factors like pollen, dust, and runoff after storms, common in Houston, can exacerbate this issue.
• Surrounding Vegetation: Trees or shrubs near the pool can increase the likelihood of animals like squirrels, birds, or lizards falling in. Overhanging branches provide easy access for small mammals or reptiles.

Risks and Considerations

Some animals pose risks to humans or the pool itself:

• Rabies Risk: Raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and bats in Houston are high-risk rabies carriers. If these animals are found in or near your pool, avoid direct contact and seek professional removal.
• Venomous Snakes: Of the four venomous snakes in Houston (copperheads, cottonmouths, rattlesnakes, and coral snakes), copperheads are the most likely to be encountered in suburban areas. Exercise caution if you spot a snake in your pool.
• Drowning Hazards: Small animals like frogs, squirrels, and mice often drown in above-ground pools due to the steep sides, which lack natural escape routes. This can lead to water contamination if the animal decomposes.
• Pool Damage: Larger animals, such as raccoons or otters, may damage pool liners or equipment while trying to escape.

Prevention Tips

To minimize wildlife in your above-ground pool:

• Install Barriers: Use a pool cover or a 4-foot-high fence with a self-latching gate to prevent larger animals from accessing the pool. Trim overhanging branches to reduce access for squirrels and birds.
• Provide Escape Routes: Attach a ramp, such as a FrogLog or Skamper-Ramp, to the pool’s edge to help small animals climb out. Alternatively, affix ropes around the pool’s edge at water level for animals to grip.
• Maintain Water Quality: Regularly clean the pool and balance chemicals to deter insects and frogs, which attract predators like snakes and birds. Houston’s warm weather causes rapid evaporation (about 0.25 inches per day), so monitor water levels and quality closely.
• Remove Attractants: Secure trash cans, feed pets indoors, and remove debris around the pool to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums, and rodents.

In Summary: Houston, Texas, above-ground pools can attract a range of animals, including small mammals (raccoons, opossums, squirrels), reptiles and amphibians (frogs, snakes, turtles), birds (herons, small songbirds), and occasionally otters or alligators in flood-prone areas. The city’s humid climate, urban-wildland mix, and pool accessibility contribute to this diversity. While most animals pose little threat, some (like venomous snakes or rabies carriers) require caution. By understanding the local wildlife and taking preventive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of animals entering your pool, ensuring a safer and cleaner swimming environment for your family. If you encounter an injured or dangerous animal, contact local wildlife services, such as the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center, for assistance.