How To Keep Geese Off Your Property: A Comprehensive Guide

Geese. Majestic in flight, a nuisance on the ground. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re battling the latter. Keeping geese off your property involves a multi-pronged approach, combining deterrents, habitat modification, and, in some cases, professional intervention. The key is to make your property less appealing to them, disrupting their feeding, resting, and nesting patterns. Implement a combination of the strategies below for the best results:

• Fencing: Install physical barriers like fencing (at least 3 feet high) around ponds, gardens, or other vulnerable areas.
• Noise Deterrents: Utilize loud noises like air horns, whistles, or even recordings of predator calls to scare geese away. Motion-activated devices can automate this.
• Visual Deterrents: Employ visual scares such as scarecrows, predator decoys (owls, coyotes), reflective tape, and Mylar balloons. Move them frequently to maintain effectiveness.
• Grid Wire or Netting: Place a grid of wire or netting a few inches above the ground over grassy areas. This makes it difficult for geese to walk and feed comfortably.
• Habitat Modification: Eliminate or reduce short grasses, which are a favorite food source for geese. Allow grasses to grow taller or replace them with less palatable ground cover.
• Repellents: Apply goose repellent sprays to grassy areas. Choose repellents that are non-toxic to pets and humans.
• Harassment Techniques: Consistent and persistent harassment can be effective. This might involve chasing geese away with a dog (under control) or using a remote-controlled boat on a pond.
• Egg Control: If geese are nesting on your property, egg addling (shaking the eggs to prevent hatching) or egg removal (legal only with proper permits) can reduce the population over time.
• Professional Goose Management: For severe infestations, consider consulting with a professional wildlife management company that specializes in goose control. They can implement more advanced techniques and strategies.

Remember, persistence is key. Geese are creatures of habit, so breaking those habits requires consistent effort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Goose Control

What attracts geese to my property in the first place?

Geese are attracted to properties that offer a combination of food, water, and shelter. Short, manicured lawns are particularly appealing because they provide easy access to their favorite food: grass. Open water sources like ponds or lakes provide a safe haven, and nearby vegetation offers nesting sites. They also tend to return to places where they’ve successfully raised young. Think of your property as an all-inclusive resort – geese want to visit if you provide the amenities!

Are geese protected by law?

Yes, most geese species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This means it’s illegal to harm, kill, or possess geese, their nests, or their eggs without a permit. However, harassment techniques and habitat modification are generally permissible as long as they don’t cause direct harm to the birds. Always check with your local wildlife authorities for specific regulations in your area before implementing any goose control measures. This is critically important!

What are the best noise deterrents for geese?

The best noise deterrents are loud, unpredictable sounds that startle geese. Air horns, whistles, and recordings of predator calls (coyotes, eagles) are effective. Motion-activated devices that emit these sounds can be particularly useful because they automatically respond to the presence of geese. Vary the sounds and timing to prevent geese from becoming habituated to them. The element of surprise is your best weapon.

Do predator decoys really work to keep geese away?

Predator decoys can be effective, but only if used correctly. The key is to choose realistic-looking decoys (owls, coyotes) and move them frequently. Geese are intelligent and will quickly realize that a stationary decoy poses no real threat. Place the decoy in a prominent location where geese can easily see it, and move it every few days to maintain the illusion of a real predator.

What are some natural ways to deter geese without harming them?

Several natural methods can deter geese without causing them harm. Allowing grasses to grow taller discourages geese from feeding. Planting native shrubs and ground cover can also make your property less appealing. Garlic-based sprays are a natural repellent, although they need to be reapplied frequently. Remember, the goal is to make your property less attractive, not to directly harm the birds.

How effective are goose repellent sprays?

Goose repellent sprays can be effective, but their effectiveness depends on the product used and the frequency of application. Choose a repellent that contains ingredients like methyl anthranilate, which is a grape-flavored compound that geese find distasteful. Apply the repellent to grassy areas and other surfaces where geese are feeding. Reapply the repellent after rain or irrigation. It’s more of a strategy to supplement other methods, not a silver bullet.

What is egg addling, and is it a humane way to control goose populations?

Egg addling involves shaking goose eggs to prevent them from hatching. This can be done by hand or with a specialized tool. The goal is to disrupt the development of the embryo without killing it. While some people consider egg addling a humane method of population control, others have ethical concerns. It’s crucial to obtain the necessary permits from your local wildlife authorities before engaging in egg addling or egg removal. You have to stay on the right side of the law.

Is it safe to use dogs to chase geese away from my property?

Using dogs to chase geese away can be effective, but it’s essential to do so responsibly. Your dog must be under control at all times to prevent it from harming the geese. Never allow your dog to attack or injure the birds. The goal is simply to harass them and make them feel uncomfortable. Be mindful of local leash laws and regulations.

How do I prevent geese from nesting on my property?

Preventing geese from nesting on your property involves eliminating potential nesting sites. Clear away dense vegetation, fill in low-lying areas that could hold water, and remove any existing nests (with proper permits). Harassment techniques, such as loud noises and visual deterrents, can also discourage geese from nesting. The key is to make your property as inhospitable as possible before nesting season begins.

What are the most common mistakes people make when trying to deter geese?

One of the most common mistakes is relying on a single deterrent method. Geese are intelligent and adaptable, and they will quickly become habituated to a single scare tactic. It’s important to use a variety of deterrents and rotate them frequently. Another mistake is not being persistent enough. Goose control requires consistent effort over time. Finally, neglecting habitat modification can undermine your efforts.

When should I consider hiring a professional goose management company?

You should consider hiring a professional goose management company if you have a severe goose infestation that you are unable to control on your own. Professionals have access to more advanced techniques and strategies, such as goose translocation and population management plans. They can also provide expert advice on how to prevent future problems. If the situation feels overwhelming, it’s time to call in the experts.

Are there any plants that geese dislike?

Yes, certain plants are less palatable to geese and can be used to deter them. Ground covers like pachysandra and myrtle are not favored by geese. Taller grasses and ornamental plants with dense foliage can also make it difficult for geese to graze. Consider incorporating these plants into your landscaping to make your property less appealing. Strategic planting can be a powerful tool.