Goose Control

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

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.