Mallard-type domestic ducks love to eat mosquito larvae, but I wouldn't count on them for pest control. They eat mostly young grasses and weeds. They can do just fine with a kiddie pool in place of a pond.

Muscovy ducks can be very helpful for slug, snail, and bug control, but also eat young tender greens as the bulk of their diet. They are less aquatic than mallard-type ducks, but benefit from access to a kiddie pool or other water.

Geese are grazers and won't do much for bugs.

Chickens adore bugs, but will eat produce from your garden if they can reach it. They are opportunistic eaters, and will scratch and dig as they look for goodies. Some breeds are better than others for free range and insect control duties.

Guineafowl will eat mostly bugs if given the chance, and like to eat ticks. They generally won't bother your garden or flowerbed. They do well free-range if provided a safe night roost and a protected area with feed and water. Feed in the afternoon or evening so they forage for bugs at the start of the day. They're probably your best bet.

Depending on where you live, you might be able to attract wild insectivorous birds. Your cooperative extension service might be able to help you there. Wild birds can be messy and can bring disease, though, so take precautions.

Last Edited By: CrazyBirdLady Jun 24 08 11:08 PM. Edited 1 times.