How to Get Rid of Geese: 10 Steps
Geese can become a nuisance when they congregate in large numbers or become aggressive towards humans. If you’re struggling with an influx of geese on your property, follow these ten steps to help deter them.
1. Remove food sources: Geese are attracted by the easy availability of food. Remove bird feeders, don’t feed the ducks in parks, and dispose of trash properly.
2. Use goose repellant: There are specific sprays available to keep geese away from your yard. Apply these repellants periodically to deter geese from visiting your property.
3. Make the area unappealing: Geese prefer wide-open spaces for grazing and resting. Reduce their appeal by adding dense plantings and shrubs, which can obstruct their view.
4. Use visual deterrents: Scarecrows, shiny reflective tape, or balloons can help deter geese. They’ll perceive these objects as predators or a threat and stay clear of your property.
5. Employ audio deterrents: loud noises such as air horns, pyrotechnics, or even recordings of predator calls can help scare off geese.
6. Modify the landscape: Sloping the shoreline of water bodies on your property or installing fences can help discourage nesting activities and make it difficult for geese to access the water.
7. Allow grass to grow taller: Geese prefer short grass for their grazing activities. Allowing your lawn to grow taller than 4 inches may discourage them from eating there.
8. Use trained dogs: Employing trained bird control dogs like border collies can successfully chase away geese without harming them. Seek professional help if you’re interested in this wildlife management method.
9. Implement egg addling: With proper permits, you might be allowed to limit geese population growth by addling their eggs, which prevents their development and hatching.
10. Consult a professional: If you’ve tried all of these methods and the issue persists, consult with a wildlife management professional. They can help tailor a management plan to fit your specific problem.
Remember, geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in various countries, so harming or killing them is illegal without proper permits. Always ensure you’re employing humane methods to control and deter geese populations.