Canada Geese can transform a well-maintained lawn into a messy, noisy problem. Property owners must approach deterrence with an understanding of federal law, as these birds, their nests, and eggs are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Successfully managing a goose presence requires an integrated approach combining habitat changes, physical barriers, and aversion tactics. The goal is to make the immediate environment an unattractive place to feed, rest, or raise young, encouraging the birds to relocate naturally.
Making the Landscape Unappealing
Geese are primarily grazers, and they are instinctively drawn to short, well-fertilized turf because the young shoots are tender and easily digestible. A manicured lawn closely resembles their preferred feeding grounds, but modifying the grass height can quickly reduce the yard’s appeal. Allowing the grass to grow to a height of six inches or more makes the forage coarser and less palatable for the birds. This taller growth also acts as a visual barrier, hindering the goose’s ability to spot predators, which makes them feel less secure when feeding.
If the property borders a body of water, establishing a vegetative buffer along the shoreline is an effective long-term deterrent. Planting dense, tall shrubs, native grasses, or aquatic plants creates a physical barrier that blocks easy access to the lawn. This buffer should ideally be at least 30 inches high and several feet wide to completely obstruct their line of sight and prevent them from easily walking from the water onto the turf. Additionally, eliminating unintentional food sources, such as spilled birdseed from feeders or uncovered pet food, signals to the geese that the area no longer provides easy sustenance.
Non-Lethal Physical and Visual Deterrents
Geese prefer to walk into a grazing area from a safe location rather than flying directly into a confined space, a behavior that can be exploited with low-level fencing. Installing a perimeter barrier made of wire or plastic mesh that is approximately 18 to 30 inches high can discourage their entry onto the lawn. A barrier of this height is easily overcome by humans but serves as a sufficient obstacle to deter a walking goose from entering the property.
Another immediate and startling tactic involves using motion-activated sprinklers, which harmlessly spray water when an infrared sensor detects movement. These devices deliver a sudden burst of water and movement that startles the birds, teaching them to associate the area with an unpleasant surprise. Visual deterrents, such as reflective Mylar tape, shiny balloons, or silhouettes of predators like coyotes, can also create an atmosphere of unease. To prevent the geese from growing accustomed to these objects, frequently change their placement and type, as the birds are intelligent and quickly habituate to stationary threats.
Applying Taste Aversion Repellents
Chemical repellents offer a way to make the grass itself unappetizing without harming the birds, pets, or humans. The most common active ingredients in these commercial products are methyl anthranilate (MA) or anthraquinone. Methyl anthranilate is a non-toxic compound derived from grapes that gives the grass an extremely bitter taste when the geese attempt to graze.
Anthraquinone causes a mild, temporary stomach discomfort after ingestion, which creates a conditioned aversion to the treated grass. The geese learn to associate the taste or mild digestive irritation with the specific location and will avoid feeding there in the future. To maintain effectiveness, these repellents must be applied to dry turf and reapplied after heavy rainfall, dew, or mowing, as the compound can volatilize or wash away over time. These substances are most effective when applied to smaller, high-value areas that need protection, training the geese to seek forage elsewhere.
Understanding Legal Protections and Nest Management
Canada Geese are protected by federal law, meaning that harming the birds, their nests, or their eggs is strictly prohibited without authorization. The primary legal framework is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. For landowners dealing with nesting geese, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has established a specific process known as the Resident Canada Goose Nest and Egg Depredation Order.
This order allows private landowners to destroy nests and eggs of resident geese on their property, but they must first register online with the USFWS annually between March 1 and June 30. The authorized methods are oiling or addling the eggs, which prevents them from hatching. Oiling involves coating the eggs entirely with corn oil, which prevents oxygen transfer through the shell. Addling means vigorously shaking the eggs to stop embryonic development. It is important that the treated eggs are returned to the nest; the female will continue to incubate the non-viable eggs, which prevents her from laying a new clutch elsewhere.