Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are common in human-dominated landscapes, drawn to open water, short grass, and few natural predators. While their presence can be scenic, the noise, droppings, and property damage they cause often make them a nuisance in residential and commercial areas. Addressing these birds requires an approach that is both effective at deterring them and compliant with federal and state regulations. This guide outlines actionable, legal strategies for managing goose populations.
Understanding the Legal Constraints of Geese Removal
Any attempt to control Canada goose populations must acknowledge their protected status. Canada geese, like most native bird species, fall under the jurisdiction of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This federal law makes it illegal for the general public to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, or possess migratory birds, their nests, or their eggs without authorization. Direct intervention, such as killing, capturing, or destroying nests, is strictly prohibited.
Specific permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or state wildlife agencies are required for any action involving direct removal or harm, even to eggs. Landowners or managers must secure the appropriate federal or state documentation before implementing methods like nest destruction or relocation. All management strategies must be implemented within this legal framework to avoid penalties.
Modifying the Landscape for Passive Deterrence
The most sustainable method for reducing goose presence involves making the property unattractive to them. Geese prefer areas offering clear sight lines to spot predators and easy access to water. Well-manicured, short-cut, and often fertilized grass provides an ideal grazing environment.
To disrupt this preference, allow grass near water bodies to grow 10 to 14 inches high, as geese are reluctant to graze in tall vegetation that obstructs their view. Establishing dense, tall vegetative buffer strips, ideally 30 feet wide and at least 3 feet tall, along shorelines creates a physical barrier and blocks the line of sight between water and feeding areas. Replacing preferred turfgrass with less palatable species like tall fescue can also discourage foraging.
Physical barriers further restrict access to highly used areas. Low-profile fencing or specialized grid wires suspended over small water bodies can prevent geese from accessing the water or walking onto lawns. Ceasing public or private feeding is also important, as this practice encourages geese to congregate.
Active Harassment and Sensory Repellents
When passive habitat changes are insufficient, active harassment techniques can convince geese that a location is undesirable. Visual deterrents, such as reflective tape, flags, or effigies of predators like coyotes, can be effective if moved frequently to prevent habituation. Lasers, used under low-light conditions, or flashing strobe lights can also disrupt nighttime roosting habits.
Auditory deterrents, including noise cannons or recordings of goose distress calls, frighten the birds, but their use is often restricted in urban settings due to noise ordinances. Hazing, or active chasing, is a highly effective method, particularly when conducted by trained border collies that geese perceive as natural predators. Harassment must be consistent and varied to prevent the birds from habituating to the threat, which is a common limitation of static deterrents.
Chemical or taste repellents utilize the active ingredient methyl anthranilate (MA). Derived from grape skins, MA is a non-toxic, food-grade substance that acts as a sensory irritant, affecting the birds’ taste and smell receptors. When sprayed onto grass, this repellent makes the treated vegetation unappealing, causing the geese to relocate their foraging.
Population Control Through Nest and Egg Management
Long-term reduction of a resident goose population often requires intervention in their reproductive cycle, known as addling or oiling eggs. This process prevents the eggs from hatching while ensuring the female goose continues to incubate the clutch. The female’s continued presence prevents her from laying a replacement clutch, or re-nesting, which would happen if the nest was destroyed.
The most common method involves coating the eggs entirely with 100% corn oil, which blocks the pores in the shell and prevents the embryo from receiving oxygen without harming the adult birds. Another technique is addling, which involves vigorously shaking the eggs to disrupt the internal membrane, rendering the embryo non-viable. For these actions, landowners or managers must register annually with the USFWS through the Resident Canada Goose Nest and Egg Depredation Order. This registration grants authorization to treat resident goose nests and eggs, is typically required before activities begin, and mandates an annual report of the number of nests and eggs treated.