Usually pretty obvious, flocks of geese and plenty of droppings
Damage
droppings and feathers foul urban water and green space
areas;
graze and trample grains, soybeans and eat corn, lettuce,
rice.
Female geese
can be quite protective during brood rearing and can even attack
humans.
Goose
attack Description: Shows goose agression when one gets too close to
young or nests Photo Credits: Kirk LaPierre, A1 Saver Services
@www.a1saver.com
Solution
Habitat Modification
steepen and fence shores
increase
ground cover for predators
overhead wires stretched over water areas
netting
change grass mix to mature tall fescue and let grass grow longer
(geese prefer young shoots)
institute a feeding ban (feed bans are also better for the waterfowl).
Repellents
Methyl anthranilate--chemical repellent
Anthraquinone --chemical repellent
scarecrows
propane exploders
pyrotechnics
guard dogs
toy water craft and helicopters to haze the geese
laser lights can be used to haze geese, use green or red. Be careful as lasers can harm eyes.
reflective
tapes Description: These scare devices work best on bright days
with breezes and before animal habituation begins. Photo Credits: from U of Florida website
Birth Control
Nicarbazin (is the active ingredient)--birds eat the pellets and are unable to lay fertile eggs. This product may help minimize the growth of goose populations before their numbers become intolerable. See our vendors if you wish to purchase this product.
Trapping
Round ups are very effective in reducing populations. Needs permit.
Shooting
Very effective where allowable by law and permit.
Toxicants & Fumigants
None
Safety & Disease
Geese can become agressive when protecting nests
Geese can threaten aircraft
Feces can make sidewalks slippery
Feces may increase bacteria count in water resources
Legalities
Canada geese are a species protected by the migratory bird act. Permits are needed to hunt and take the birds.
Scientific
Name: Branta canadensis
Goose
attack
reflective
tapes