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.
