Goose Control

by Terra Anders

Many landowners spend a good deal of time and energy on goose prevention or removal.  Geese, for example, are very social creatures and can commonly be found hanging out with their family and friends at docks, golf courses, park areas, wetlands, marshes, or residential lakeside homes. They are also prolific breeders, so even a small manageable group of geese can become a whole gaggle in a few short years. These birds are notoriously messy, leaving unsightly and unsanitary fecal droppings all over.  In addition to introducing possible parasites and disease, the feces can be difficult to remove and eats away at the protective coatings on vehicles, boats, decks and buildings.  This can result in a real problem for property owners and sends them seeking effective goose deterrents. 

If geese have already settled in to stay on your property, they can be motivated to leave by making the grazing area less palatable.  Large grassy areas can be sprayed with a non-toxic goose repellent that will disagree with the birds’ taste buds and send them looking for better tasting feeding grounds. Several other bird removal techniques are available that work to scare birds away from the property and encourage them to relocate elsewhere. Scare methods take advantage of the goose’s natural fear of predators or harm.  Creating the sense of danger in the environment frequented by the geese will send them packing to less frightening surroundings. 

Bright colors and the eyes of a predator may work to get rid of birds and geese in concentrated areas like pools, lakeside docks, or patios. One inexpensive solution might be placing large colorful PVC scare balloons with predator-like eye decals randomly around the affected area. Geese become confused and uncomfortable and leave looking for a less threatening location.

Lakeside properties and open areas may require more real-life bird deterrents.  Life-like plastic coyote decoys can be installed at the birds’ common entry points, convincing them to move along before they enter.  Moving these decoys from one entry point to another every few weeks will trick the geese into thinking this is a real threat and not a permanent fixture.

A motion-activated sprinkler device can be installed and programmed to release a spray of water when large birds like geese come near the property.  This is used in conjunction with a common garden hose and works quite well to keep geese away from the area before they even land. 

Some geese respond better to the sound of fellow geese in distress.  Weatherproof outdoor programmable goose sound systems are available that can be set to broadcast a specific goose call of danger. The call lasts for two minutes and repeats at set intervals, disturbing the birds and activating their natural instinct to flee.

Whether the geese are scouting for new territory, or have found a comfortable place to call home, any of these bird deterrent methods used alone or in combination, can offer property owners peace of mind and useful, safe and non-toxic bird control.

by Alex A. Kecskes

A former chef at the Villa Victor in Syosset who claimed he was attacked by a goose sued the restaurant for $1 million. Richard Braue insisted that he was standing by a pond on the restaurant's property when he was charged by a Canada goose. In a fruitless attempt to stay clear of the attacking goose, Braue fell and broke his back.

In Jacksonville, Florida, a goose created somewhat of a ruckus outside an office building on Salisbury Road. Having built its nest near the perimeter of the building, the goose attacked passersby. Some say the bird is just protecting its nest. But police recently reported that the goose actually bit a woman's ear.

Residents in Gotwals Pond in Kimberton, Chester County, Pennsylvania reported that there were 500 to 600 Canada geese on the pond. In fact, Jeff Effgan, part owner of the Kimberton Country House restaurant--which is a stone's throw from the pond--said that one day there were so many geese on the pond, the water wasn't even visible. Needless to say, the pond smelled pretty ripe that day.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services, the growing numbers of resident Canada geese pose a threat to public health and safety and cause damage to property, agriculture and natural resources.

Without effective goose control measures, geese will typically flock around lakes, reservoirs, large ponds, and near rivers and seashores. They like to feed on aquatic vegetation, grasses, seeds and grain. When adult geese molt their flight feathers in the summer, they can't fly and simply gather in huge annoying flocks, pecking and bumping into anyone who they regard as a threat to "their territory."

Even when not attacking people or knocking down children, geese will leave an awful mess. The smelly, disease-carrying droppings can contaminate ponds, lakes and other bodies of water. And they're not exactly welcome around golf courses and business parks.

Fortunately, there are a variety of goose deterrents available to commercial property owners. These are humane, since many species of geese are protected by federal and local statutes.

One popular deterrent is Goose Repellent. It presents an effective bird deterrent that keeps geese from athletic fields, corporate parks, golf courses, courtyards and other grassy areas. Goose repellent is sprayed on the lawn flavoring it so the geese do not like the taste.  Without a food source, they will move on to an area that is better suited to their needs.  Most goose repellents are easy to apply and will not harm geese, humans and animals.  Once applied, the goose repellent takes about a week to be effective.  Soon the geese will leave the area for better grazing areas.

Visual Goose Scare Deterrents. These include iridescent Reflective Foil or Shiny Tape, as well as big balloons with large predator eyes.  All make geese too nervous to hang around and loiter. The balloons are typically 16 inches in diameter and made of a U.V.- and weather-resistant vinyl. Some people fill them partially with water and allow them to skim the surface with their predator eye facing up to frighten geese. 

The time to implement these goose deterrents is now, before flocks of geese arrive. It's also a good idea use goose deterrents in tandem. And to move them around for best deterrent effect.

by Kathy Fritsch

Has your property been a vacation spot for Canada Geese?  This very adaptable waterfowl is tolerant of human activity and while flying with their lifetime mates and family, they are all looking for that perfect spot to land.  If there is a pond or any water source nearby, the Canada Goose will nest and establish its territory at the site.  It is quite common to see geese on golf courses, backyards, schools, and farms just to name a few spots.  With the development of malls, office buildings, tall homes and garages, geese have limited spots to nest and a safe spot for them could be up on top of your buildings.

What draws them to stop and nest?  They eat a wide variety of food items.  They are considered herbivores (eating vegetation) and are grazers.  They will graze and eat off your grass.  They will eat your berries, seeds and any cultivated foods such as millet, corn, oats, and soybeans.  Since they do travel in large family groups, you can imagine the damage they can do in a short amount of time.  The damage they can do is the reason to protect your property before it is too late.  Preparation is always easier than clean up.   When you are planting your grass, shrubs and crops, it is important to think about how they can be protected, especially from the geese.
 
One of the easiest ways to keep this boisterous pest away is to use a goose repellent.   The Migrate turf spray is a repellent that is a non toxic liquid made from grape extract.  Geese cannot stand the taste and smell.  Once you have sprayed on your lawn, not even rain or watering will wash it off.  Two applications will last for up to a month and will protect what you have worked hard to achieve.  You don’t have to worry about harm to your property or persons.  It is totally non-toxic to humans and animals.  It just makes your lawn an unpalatable food source for the geese.

Used in conjunction with the goose repellent spray, the Goose-B-Gone Super Sonic sound deterrent can be very beneficial.  This devise can cover up to three acres.  This sound deterrent acts as a scare devise by intermittently playing the distress and predator calls of the Canadian goose.  When they hear the distress calls they instinctively move on and away from the trouble.  The Goose-B-Gone Super Sonic unit is easy to install and program.  It will not wear in the weather either because it is sun and weather resistant.
 
Keeping away or getting rid of the nuisance geese with these simple to use goose repellents will also provide protection from the contamination their droppings can leave behind such as an excess of bacteria including E. Coli. and salmonella.  Reduce that perfect combination of forage, nesting and covering habitats most properties have by simply adding the spray and sound repellents.  When you see that beautiful V formation of the geese flying over and away from your property, you can enjoy the scene instead of worrying about your property.

Canada Geese are recognized by the “V” formation they create as they migrate in the spring and fall over North America. Up-close, they can be identified by their long black necks, a white “chin strap”, and brownish grey feathers.

Many people assume that Canada geese fly south in the fall to reach warmer climate, then return to nest in early spring. This behavior has changed over the years due to many variables, and Wildlife Specialists are seeing more geese remain in one spot year round. Known as residential Geese, there are usually three common denominators that define their ideal location: a mild climate, food and water. Resident geese have been staking their claim on residential and commercial properties across the nation, leaving many property owners with one question, how to get rid of geese?

Geese are grazers, and lawns near water provide an excellent food source. Golf Courses, gardens, beaches, residential lawns, and parks are regularly becoming swamped with pesky Geese. Treating grass areas with a liquid goose repellent is a good start to getting rid of geese. If you take away the food source, the geese will move on.

Migrate turf Spray is a goose repellent used to prevent geese from grazing. The repellent is made of a non-toxic grape extract that has been used to repel geese and birds for ages. The extract, methyl anthranilate, is a food grade substance, approved by the FDA, also used in grape flavored candy and soda. When the repellent is applied to a lawn area, the grass will no longer be edible for geese; they will have to move on to a better location with a food source.

Beyond the Migrate Goose Repellent, there are also visual and audio products available to help deter pest geese. Visual goose deterrents include coyote decoys, balloons, and flash tape. These products work well when set up where the geese are entering a property.  If you have geese entering your lawn from a water area, the bank is ideal spot for placing such products. There are audio systems that can also be used to repel pest geese. The Goose Sonic is an outdoor sound goose deterrent that plays a mixture of predator and distress calls. When the geese hear these calls, their natural instinct is to flee from the area. The Goose Sonic is weatherproof, and can cover between 1-5 acres.

Many wildlife specialists recommend using an integrated approach to deterring geese. That is, using a goose repellent in addition to other products to try and appeal to different senses. Combining a few different methods will render the property undesirable to the Geese. If one method is used the geese may adapt, but taking away the crucial elements can bring you on step closer to a goose free property.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Over the last fifty years, geese have gone from almost extinct to plentiful. This is because adult geese have few predators other than hunters. Traditional predators (like foxes) are rarely present in most urban areas. Some geese migrate, while others establish nesting areas in yards, gardens, golf courses and parks. In general, geese prefer open, grassy spaces, with a clear view between water and food sources.

Geese breed in the spring, laying four to eight eggs at a time.  While the eggs incubate for about 30 days, the adults remain close to the nest.  A female goose can raise 50 geese in her lifetime. Resident geese also attract migratory geese as they “pass through,” increasing their number in an already troubled area.

Although they may entertain some children and certain bird lovers, geese are generally a nuisance when they invade a yard or garden. They love manicured lawns and will eat everything in site, including tender plant growth, aquatic weeds, grains and grasses. They will routinely destroy plants and vegetation and leave large quantities of droppings everywhere. A well-fed, healthy adult goose can produce up to 1.5 pounds of fecal matter per day. The continuous influx of nutrients in goose feces can contribute to the eutrophication of small water bodies, especially where circulation and flow-through are limited. This can promote algae and weed growth in small ponds and fountains.

Because geese often forage in large groups, they quickly damage residential lawns, and ornamental plants and gardens, especially in areas where these birds have sought shelter during the molting period. Geese will feed extensively on grass, clover, and crops, leaving large bare spots that will be vulnerable to erosion. They also trample the vegetation and compact the soil, leaving a hard surface that prevents any new plant growth.

Geese that stay on your property for more than a day or two between April and August are non-migrating ‘resident’ nuisance geese. March and April are the best times to deter geese from your property. Once they establish a nest, they're pretty much entrenched in that location.

So the question remains, how to get rid of geese, especially when they've decided to make your backyard their home? Since geese are protected by migratory bird laws, any lethal means to cull them (like guns or poisons) are forbidden.

One of the simplest goose control devices is the bird scare deterrent. These include flash tape, banners, and balloons. Iridescent reflective foil or shiny tape will wave in the breeze and reflect sunlight, creating an “Optical Distraction Zone” that geese find disturbing. Another effective scare device is the inflatable balloon. These are often covered with intimidating markings, like reflective predator eyes that make geese really uncomfortable. There's also a scare-eye diverter that works on the same principle. All of these devices are easily installed in areas frequented by geese. They work best when geese first move into an area or when combined with other techniques. And they should be installed at night when geese are roosting. One note: geese may quickly get used to these devices, so it's best to move them around.

Another goose control device often used to deter geese from yards and gardens is the Goose-B-Gone Super Sonic. These devices frighten geese away from "temptation" by broadcasting the sounds of distress calls. You simply need to place them in areas where geese tend to gather. The geese will soon scatter once they hear the sounds of geese in distress.

Next up is a goose control device with a brain. Perfectly designed for yards and gardens, the Scarecrow is a highly effective goose deterrent. This motion-activated sprinkler system shoots a blast of water whenever it senses a goose within a certain radius. The combined effect of water spray, the Scarecrow's life-like turning head and the sound of a abrupt water blast will scare even the most hard-headed goose away.

While poisons are verboten, non-lethal chemical spray goose repellents are available and some can be highly effective and economical to use. Usually in the form of a non-toxic liquid spray, these chemicals make grass areas undesirable to pest geese. After a few nibbles, the birds will move on to a more palatable food source. Made from a grape extract that irritate geese, the chemical is safe for pets, geese and humans. Chemical repellents are ideal for lawns, yards, landscaping, shrubs, or any grass areas where geese have become a problem.

The better liquid repellents are easily applied with a basic hand-held sprayer found in most hardware stores. For best results, mow the lawn area you wish to treat. After the first application, wait about a week, then repeat the process. Two applications will last for up to three months. The chemical won’t wash off with rain or water. Keep in mind that a chemical repellent's effectiveness varies with the weather, repellent concentration, and frequency of application. The best goose repellent is registered with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.

By Alex A. Kecskes

Spring is coming.  And so are the Geese. They'll be squawking, and nesting and trampling all over your new garden.  They'll also be pooping in your pond, pool or spa, creating quite an unsanitary mess. You don't have the heart to kill or maim them, so you'll have to keep them from coming, from invading your space. You'll have to stop them before they settle in for spring. The time for bird deterrents is now.

Remember how they came back last year? Well, they'll do the same this year, maybe even bring a few friends, which means you'll have an even bigger problem this year. If you destroyed their nests, they'll just build new ones. They're strong willed and determined, especially if your yard offers what they like—shelter, food and protection from predators.

As you may recall, geese are big and heavy, and they can fly approaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.  They'll ram into your dog, cat or child and knock them down, especially to protect their nests and eggs. Or even if you suddenly startle them.

Unless you act now by installing an effective goose repellent, the geese will poop in your pool, uncovered spa, fountain or pond, and you'll be cleaning it on a weekly or even daily basis. Is this how you want to spend or your spring and summer months?

If you don't keep your pool, spa or pond clean, the goose droppings could infect you with any number of diseases, including swimmer’s itch, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis and giardia.  Heard enough?  Then get ready to implement some effective goose deterrents:

Bird Scare Devices. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to install all around your property. They consist of iridescent reflective foil or shiny tape banners that wave in the breeze, crackling and reflecting sunlight to create an “Optical Distraction Zone.” Another effective goose deterrent that falls into this category is the inflatable balloon. These have large "spooky" reflective predator eyes no goose wants to be around. There's also the Scare-Eye Diverter, which, like the balloon, looks very intimidating to geese and makes them feel like they're being sized up for a meal. These goose control deterrents work best when they're moved and switched every so often. Hey, birds aren't stupid, so respect them and beat them by outsmarting them.

Sonic Goose Repeller. Geese don't like to hear the sounds of other birds in distress. Or listen to predator birds moving in for the kill. That's what Sonic Bird Repellers do. They work their psychological magic and convince geese that danger is near and that other geese are in trouble. This will convince them to move on to someone else's yard. For best bird deterrent effect, install these devices where geese tend to gather.

Goose Repellent. Goose Repellents are made from a grape extract, methyl anthranilate, that geese can not stand, but is safe for pets and humans.  When the geese graze on grass treated with goose repellent, they will no longer find the food source palatable and move on to an area where they can graze.  The active ingredient in the goose repellent is a non toxic grape extract proven to be effective in repelling pest birds.  The extract irritates birds' trigeminal nerve and mochas membranes through entry in the eyes, nose and mouth.  Birds do not like the sensation caused by the extract and will take flight from the area being treated.

The most important thing to remember is to install or apply your goose deterrents now, before geese arrive.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Before we get into how to get rid of geese, a brief primer on the birds that many love and others look upon with disdain. First, true migrating geese spend their winters in the deep U.S. South and Mexico. These birds fly up North to Canada and breed in the spring. They may stop and rest, but rarely for more than a day.

The Curse of the Resident Goose

On the other hand, we have your basic resident goose. These birds love to eat you lawn and leave droppings all over your garden.

Hint: If the geese are nesting and laying eggs, they're the resident variety.

About a hundred years ago, hunters used captured geese as live decoys. The practice was outlawed in the 1930’s, so the hunters released these "decoy geese" into the wild. Problem was, the birds had lost the instinct to migrate. These domesticated birds were relocated across the U.S. for hunters, which resulted in millions of "resident" geese. Since then, property owners have sought ways to get rid of geese.

Resident geese have created all sorts of problems. Not the least of which are fatal airplane crashes when the birds collide with aircraft. Non-migratory geese have also caused the closure of public beaches in several States due to excessive fecal coliform levels. In addition, many property owners have had their crops and lawns eaten away, and their ponds and yards filled with disease-carrying droppings.
Vast Proliferations of Resident Geese

In less than a decade, the U.S. government expects geese to proliferate in four areas of the nation, reaching 1.6 million in the Atlantic area, 2 million in the Mississippi area, 1.3 million in the Central area, and half a million in the Pacific region. Worse yet, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service notes that while these geese are basically fixed in their locations, they're still legally considered migratory and protected by international treaty.

While it's perfectly legal to chase geese away, one can only do so when they’re not nest building or tending their eggs or young. Nesting begins in April and May. If you miss this opportunity to get rid of geese, there are ways you can deter and repel them away from your property. These methods have proven effective and are entirely humane.

Getting Rid of Geese Humanely

First off, we may as well address some of the more historic ways to get rid of geese. While considered humane, these have proven only marginally effective. They include your basic noisemakers--propane cannons, fireworks, and bullhorns, as well as the fake floating crocodile head that moves around realistically. And lest we no forget the fake eagle that ‘flies’ around a pole. Aside from these, there are some highly effective deterrents that have met with considerable success. A brief rundown of these measures is mentioned below.
 
Banners, Balloons, and Flash Tape--These bird scare devices create an “Optical Distraction Zone” that many geese find very annoying, causing them to leave. Flash tape comes in iridescent Reflective Foil and shiny reflective varieties, which reflect sunlight and crackle in the breeze.

Scare-Eye Diverters--To get rid of geese, you can hang these teardrop shaped diverters almost anywhere to make geese really uncomfortable. The diverters are covered with a large predator eye that makes geese feel like they're being watched by a large predator.

Bird Scare Balloons--These beach-ball size balloons are made of a U.V.- and weather-resistant vinyl and feature a lifelike reflective predator eye to make geese feel threatened.
They are an ideal way to get rid of geese in open areas where a steady breeze keeps them moving. To deter geese from pools, you can quarter fill the balloon with water, and let it float on the surface with its predator eye showing.

Keep in mind that these goose scare devices work best when geese first move into an area or when you combine them with other deterrents. Remember to swap them out occasionally as geese will get used to these devices and ignore them. Finally, these and other frightening devices are most effective when they are used at night when geese are roosting.

Scarecrows--These clever devices catch geese by surprise and convince them never to come back. Scarecrows are motion-activated sprinklers that hit geese with a "persuasive" blast of water when geese wander within its radius of protection. The sudden blast of water, startling sprinkler sound and realistic looking bird-like moving head make a believer out of even the most stubborn goose. The scarecrow connects to any garden hose, yet uses only 2 to 3 cups of water per spray. It covers approximately 1,200 square feet with a blast that reaches out 35 feet by 45 feet wide. Best of all, the scarecrow never resets, working tirelessly day and night for up to 6 months--it delivers over 1,000 "firings" on a single 9-volt battery. You an even fine-tune the Scarecrow to adjust its sensitivity and spray distance.

Sound Deterrents--These sonic devices get rid of geese by playing on their natural fear predators. They emit distress and predator calls that convince geese that danger is near. These devices work best when they are placed where geese seem to gather most--in gardens, backyards, patios, and other open grassy spaces.

Chemical Repellents--Economical and surprisingly effective, chemical goose repellents get rid of geese from parks, shorelines, golf courses, cemeteries, lawns, yards, or other grassy areas. The non-toxic liquid makes grass very unappetizing to geese and they simply move on to "greener" pastures. Formulated from a grape extract, the chemical is safe for pets, geese and humans. Most chemical repellents are easily applied using simple hand-held sprayers. Two applications last for up to three months and there's no worry about the chemical washing off with rain or water. The best goose repellent is registered with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Goose Netting--To get rid of geese, you can scare them or you can simply deny them access. Netting does the latter very well. It excludes geese from areas of your pond, park, garden and other specific areas. When ordering netting as a barrier to geese, you'll need a 2-inch mesh size. Try to get a name-brand product that is waterproof, rot- and flame-resistant, and U.V. stabilized. Non-conductive netting is preferred for most applications. Some manufacturers even offer netting in different colors to better match its surroundings.

The most common Goose found in the U.S. is the Canada goose.

Canada Geese are recognized by the “V” formation they create as they migrate in the spring and fall over North America. Up-close, they can be identified by their long black necks, a white “chin strap”, and brownish grey feathers. The birds are large, weighing up to 24lbs, and let out a very distinguishable “honking” noise.

Many people assume the Canada Geese fly south in the fall to reach warmer climate, then return to nest in early spring. This behavior has changed over the years due to many variables, and Wildlife specialists are seeing more geese remain in one spot year round. Known as residential Geese, there are usually three common denominators that define their ideal location: a mild climate, food and water. Resident geese have been staking their claim on residential and commercial properties across the nation, leaving many property owners with one question, what can I do?

What’s Attracting Geese to your Property?

America is covered with wetland areas that provide the vegetation and climate these Geese need to thrive. Geese are grazers, and lawns near water provide an excellent food source. Golf Courses, gardens, beaches, residential lawns, and parks are regularly becoming swamped with Geese.  Studies have shown that a healthy full grown goose can produce up to 1.5 lbs of feces every day. 

    Habitat: They are found on large inland bodies of water such as lakes, reservoirs and large ponds; as well as on seashores and rivers. Canada Geese are grazers so they are often found on grassland.
 
    Food Source: Seeds, grasses and aquatic plants make up the main portion of their diet.

Taking an Integrated Approach:
Many national wildlife organizations suggest taking an “integrated” approach when trying to deter geese from a property. Trying to resolve the goose problem from a few different angles is usually the most successful. 

Identifying the aspects of your property that are attracting the geese and then removing or changing the attractions is an ideal way of handling the situation. In the end altering the geese’s behavior will be more effective than lethal or harmful means. If the habitat isn’t modified, geese will still be attracted to the area.

    Areas to consider:

 

• Discourage Feeding
• Habitat Modification
• Scare Tactics
• Humane Removal

Method to deter pest geese from your property:

Goose Repellent: a liquid goose repellent can be sprayed on the lawn or food source of the geese.  After several applications the geese will not like the taste and will move on to another area to graze.  The drawback to goose repellents is that once gooslings have arrived it is very difficult to get rid of geese.

Goose Deterrent Sonic: plays predator and distress calls to scare the geese from the area.  Sonic goose deterrents are best used in conjunction with the liqued goose repellent. 

Goose Scare Deterrents:  are devices that scare the geese using large reflective eyes that geese will try to avoid.

The thing to remember is that it is best to apply goose repellents or install goose deterrents before the geese have become a problem.