Why Control Geese?
Geese are generally a beautiful and enjoyable part of our environment. The purpose of goose control is not to destroy geese, but simply to prevent them from interfering with normal processes of living and/or business.
Can geese really cause that much damage?
Yes! Geese can be incredibly destructive. They may first be attracted to properties featuring freshly mowed grasses and clear freshwater lakes, but then will continue to return again and again. Large and sometimes even small populations of geese can damage property, leave unsightly messes, and cause great economic loss by grazing on grasses and crops.
How do I begin a control program for geese?
There are 3 basic steps to an effetive program for goose control.
- Evaluate the problem. Take note of as many details as you can, including species and population, flight patterns and time, entry and exit ways, feeding, nesting, and roosting habits. Try to determine why geese find your property attractive.
- Sanitation. Before installing or applying products for the control of geese, clean the area of all nests, garbage, droppings, and unsealed food. This helps to remove any incentives that geese may have to stay on your property and creates a solid foundation for control.
- Choose appropriate goose repellent products and solutions. Choose products that fit your situation and unique goals. Remember that a combination of control methods is always more effective that just one.
Additional Goose Control through Habitat Modification
Because geese tend to “land” only on bodies of water and then walk to nearby grassy areas, there is much that can be done in the way of physical habitat modification to prevent geese from walking into your property. Some effective modifications include:
- Grass Management. Geese prefer freshly mowed, well fertilized grasses. Grass can be made less attractive to geese by 1)limiting lawn size; 2) allowing grass to grow 10 to 14 inches tall; and 3) limiting fertilizer treatments to decrease nutritional value to geese. Geese are also less attracted to fescue and other seasonal grasses that die in the winter.
- Low Wire Installation. Installation of low wires can be used to discourage geese from entering beaches, lawns, and picnic areas.
- Wire Grid Barriers. A low set grid of wire suspended over a lake or pond will deny geese access to the surface. Each wire should be secured 12 to 18 inches about the surface. This method will not work for ducks.
- Artificial/Natural Fencing. Since geese prefer to walk rather than fly onto properties, a fence or thick hedge row is very effective in keeping them out. The barrier should completely encompass the property with no breaks for geese to get through.
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