Goose Control

by Terra Anders

Pack up a picnic basket, gather up the kids, apply the bug spray, and don’t forget the bread to feed the geese.  Sound familiar?  Children all over the world love feeding the geese.  What picnic at the park would be complete without this childhood tradition?  But what happens when the geese population increases so dramatically that they become a health hazard?  City officials all over the United States are often burdened with goose control issues like this.

In Wisconsin, Mayor Paul Soglin has been under scrutiny for allowing city officials to kill about 350 Canadian geese at four city parks.  The approval was given by Madison Parks Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture on June 25, 2011 after evidence of hazardous algae and bacteria had been found in some of the park lakes.  The problem had become so bad that a couple of the parks had to be shut down during the busy season.  Water supplies were compromised, and something had to be done to get a handle on the multiplying geese population. While several goose deterrent options for getting rid of the birds were presented, the choice to capture and kill a large quantity of the geese has certainly brought about a lot of controversy.

In a statement on June 28, 2011, Mayor Soglin confirmed that the about 200 Canada geese were indeed harvested and killed shortly after after the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a permit to kill the birds at four city parks. Citizen groups had been trying to prevent the killing in lieu of a more humane goose control method.

According to a recent WISC-TV report, although the killings did take place and the parks’ populations of geese were temporarily thinned, the geese have already begun to repopulate. Not only is killing a controversial goose control method, it is rarely successful in the long-run.  Much more humane, non-lethal methods are available, and when put in place with forethought and intention, these kinder methods can be much more effective.

Canadian geese like wide-open spaces. To help control bird populations, adding rocks, bushes, trees, hedges, or other types of barriers can modify the large open spaces of the park lawns. Plant these between the lawn and the water to discourage the geese.  They won’t like having to take the long way around to the water.

It may be futile to stop people from feeding geese in the park.  However, posting signs around the park, explaining the overpopulation problem and  how people can help by discouraging feeding the birds this practice would certainly be an inexpensive educational tool worth investing in.  Park staff might consider giving weekly informational classes to interested park-goers explaining the habits of the Canada geese and why they need to be controlled,

Spread non-toxic goose repellent on the area that is over-populated. This repellent is most often made with grape extract and methyl anthranilate, a combination that geese can not tolerate.  Geese hang around the park because there is always a sufficient food supply.  When this goose repellent is used, the geese will soon move on to other pastures looking for a more suitable food supply. 

Removing abandoned nests in the winter season can sometimes stop geese from coming back in the spring.

Geese prefer low, trimmed grass, so maintaining an area of tall grass or flowers around a lake area can create both a visual and physical barrier to the geese.

Geese populations respond quite well to sound goose deterrent systems that broadcast a recorded distress call in an area for up to 6 acres. The system is completely programmable and can send out one to two minute distress calls at determined intervals.   When geese hear this troubled cry, they become nervous and will leave the area in search of safer ground.  This type of goose deterrent is weather-resistant and very effective in large open outdoor spaces like parks.

Goose control is not a passive event.  It takes maintenance and persistence to convince birds to move out; and stay out.  Geese that have become comfortable in a particular area will return year after year.  Keeping an arsenal of bird control measures at the ready will be a park crew’s best plan. 

By Alex A. Kecskes

Spring is coming…and so are the Geese. They'll be honking, and nesting and trampling all over your lawn and garden.  They'll also be pooping on your lawn, around your pool or spa, and creating quite an unsanitary mess. To successfully deter geese, its important to start early. 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, close proximity to water 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. Unless you act now by installing an effective goose deterrent, you'll be cleaning a mess 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:

Migrate Goose Repellent. Migrate is a liquid repellent used to keep geese from eating grass or shrubbery and is made from a grape extract. You simply mix migrate with water and apply to affected areas. Geese cannot stand the taste and smell of the repellent and will move on to find a new food source. Migrate lasts about 3 months outdoors and is safe to use around people and pets.

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.

Goose-B-Gone Super Sonic. This is an outdoor sound device that plays real goose distress calls mixed with bird predator calls. 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 a more secure spot. Best of all this Goose Sonic device is weatherproof and can cover between 1- acres! The unit can be programmed to turn off at night and back on in the morning. 


The most important thing to remember is to install your goose deterrents now, before geese arrive, the sooner you address the problem, the more successful you will be.

by Alex A. Kecskes

If you’re a homeowner living anywhere in North America, you may have had a run in with geese on your property. There are over10 different species of Geese. They can weigh upwards of 24 lbs and be up to four feet long. That’s a lot of goose, and a lot of droppings and damage to your garden. Without effective goose repellents or goose deterrents, your garden will be pretty much at their mercy.

The two types of geese are your migrating geese and your resident Canada geese. The former spend their winters in the deep Southern US and Mexico, then head to Canada to breed in the Spring; the latter will nest, lay eggs and deposit as much as a pound of droppings (per goose) on your beautiful garden. It’s not pretty. Resident geese will occupy your garden between April and August; migratory geese will use your garden for a day or so--enough to do some damage and leave their droppings for you to clean up.

Without proper goose control, flocks of geese will run roughshod over your garden and lawn. The droppings left by these large birds are no different than those of other winged pests. They contain diseases that can create serious health risks. If you have a decorative pond, spa or pool, you’ll have to clean out the droppings before you can enjoy these amenities. Public beaches have been shut down when goose droppings raised fecal coliform levels.

While there are all sorts of ways to chase geese off your property--including bang cannons, BB guns, avicides and firecrackers--these can be both ineffective in the long run and dangerous or annoying to family, neighbors and pets.

Fortunately, there are a number of humane, common sense goose deterrents that have proven to be highly effective.

One solution for deterring geese is a smart device called the Scarecrow. The second any bird enters its radius of protection, the Scarecrow springs to life, blasting the intruding bird with water. For any bird, this can be an unnerving and memorable experience, for the sudden blast of water, startling sprinkler sound, and realistic looking bird-like moving head add up to a very powerful deterrent.

Scarecrows are perfect for use in your garden and lawn, as well as around pools, spas and any water feature you may have in your backyard. They connect easily to most garden hoses and they cover about 1,200 square feet with a blast that extends out to 35 feet covering a 45-foot wide swath. Scarecrows are quiet, unobtrusive sentinels that guard your garden day and night from geese intruders. They are economical too, providing over 1,000 "firings" on one 9-volt battery. You can easily adjust them to the needs of your particular garden.  Both the sensitivity and the coverage area can be fine tuned.

For smaller gardens, short walkways and decorative water features and ponds, consider the Mini Scarecrow. It works the same as its big cousin, but rather than using a water blast, it relies on compressed air to generate an annoying squeal intended to discourage geese from occupying your garden, pond or walkway. The Mini is activated the second a goose enters its radius of detection (typically, about 3 to 4 feet). Like the Scarecrow, the Mini can be easily fine tuned to the needs of your garden. The Mini will stand guard with over 200 sprays. It’s versatile too, for you can switch to a sound-only mode to save the compressed air for longer active performance.

There’s no doubt that geese in your yard or garden can be a problem. But if you use the right goose deterrent, you can save your property from extensive damage and contamination. The key is to be proactive and install these bird deterrents before the offending birds decide to invade your property and call it their home. Once they’ve settled in, it can be a challenge to get rid of them, for geese can be quite stubborn and aggressive pests.

by Terra Anders

Residential lakeside homes are sought after for their wonderful views, and temperate climates.  They also often have to deal with pest birds, like geese.  Homes that have large lawns with a clear line of vision from the grass to the shoreline may find geese settling there in increasing numbers.  Geese are grazers, so they like to waddle around snacking on grass and seeds in the lawn. Large groups of geese can be seen settled on lawns, sunning and preening themselves while keeping an eye out for predators. These habits make a large grassy area with a fast, visible escape route to the water, a sought after commodity for geese. As beautiful as they are to look at, these large birds soon wear out their welcome. They can quickly increase in numbers, fouling the grass, sand or boat docks with their droppings. 

The lovely Canada Goose is quite prolific, starting their reproductive life at about 2 years of age.  An average goose couple can produce about four offspring each year.  Since the geese live to be about ten or eleven years, that means that just one pair of geese and their offspring alone can increase the gaggle to several hundred in just a few years!  If homeowners have not built in well-planned goose deterrents, the mess left by the geese families can depreciate the value of the property considerably.

Hunting geese as a means of controlling the population is frowned upon by many, it is actually an realistic means of controlling goose populations in some areas.  It is allowed in some states, but only under very controlled conditions.  Never shoot Canada Geese on a property before first checking with the local Department of Fish and Wildlife authorities.  They can provide hunting limitations, removal guidelines and rules that should be followed without compromise.

Actually, some basic landscaping tips and a couple of easy goose control methods can be employed to keep the geese population in check and property cleaner, safer and more pleasant. Geese look for three main things when selecting their long-term residence: safety, food and adequate tall water grasses for nesting. Any kind of effective goose deterrent plan must address all three of these.

Goose-Resistant Landscaping: Making your shoreline less attractive to geese, but still a lovely view for humans aren’t as tough as it wounds. Eliminating the clear view line from grass to water is probably the most effective landscaping technique.  This can be done by setting up a physical barrier of some kind between water and grass. Wire mesh or polyurethane bird netting, even a white picket fence will work as long as the mesh or slat distance is no larger than 3 inches, and fences are at least 30 inches high.  Walking geese will not be happy with this.  If a more natural barrier is preferred, consider a very dense decorative hedge or long patch of wildflowers of no less than thirty inches high.  The barrier should be 20-30 feet wide and placed along the shoreline, then reaching back along each side of the lawn.  Any cattails or tall water grasses can remain on the opposite side of the barrier to help keep birds away from the lawn.

Motion Activated Sprinklers: What about those geese that fly in and land on the lawn?  Not to worry, the key is to make them as uncomfortable as possible so they won’t stay.  Sudden, unexpected water bursts into the large open lawn area can be a surprisingly useful goose deterrent.  Motion sensors detect when a bird is within 35 feet of the sensor, activating a water burst sprinkler system that shoots H20 up to 35 feet out and 45 feet across. Geese are unable to settle down and will take their friends and move along quickly.

Lawns that fail the goose taste test:  Geese that have already settled in will need more coaxing to leave.  Spreading non-toxic goose repellent over the lawn (or even along the shoreline) is another useful deterrent. As the geese snack, they eat the grape extract which irritates the nerves in the bird’s nasal passages and other mucous membranes. It is vexing to the geese and they will soon realize there are no more good eats there. The concentrated spray is mixed with water and dispersed using a standard hand-held sprayer.  Mow the law before treating it and re-treat about every four weeks to maintain.

Once their sense of safety has been removed by the landscaping; the nesting areas have been eliminated; and their feeding area is contaminated, the pest geese will leave in search of a more inviting home. Goose control can be environmentally friendly and still work to keep birds away from private property.

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.

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.