The presence of geese on lawns and properties often leads to problems with noise and excessive droppings, as a single goose produces several pounds of waste daily. Many people seek humane, non-toxic solutions, focusing on natural methods that encourage the birds to relocate to more suitable habitats. Effective goose management relies on a multi-faceted approach, combining environmental changes with direct deterrence to make an area less appealing. These strategies aim to reduce the incentive for geese to land, feed, or rest on a property.
Removing Environmental Incentives
Geese are instinctively drawn to areas that offer food and a clear line of sight to spot predators, making short, manicured lawns near water highly attractive. The first step in deterrence is to immediately cease all feeding, as supplemental food strongly encourages them to stay and return. One of the most effective habitat modifications involves allowing the grass near water sources to grow considerably longer. Geese prefer to graze on short grass and feel vulnerable in taller vegetation, which can conceal potential threats. Letting the grass grow to a height of 10 to 14 inches along shorelines significantly reduces the appeal of the area for foraging and resting.
Utilizing Physical Deterrents
Physical barriers are a straightforward, non-toxic method to block geese from accessing specific areas, such as lawns or gardens. Since geese prefer to walk from water to a grazing area rather than fly short distances, a low-profile fence can be effective. A durable barrier only 24 to 30 inches tall is often sufficient to deter geese from walking onto a lawn. For protecting small ponds and discouraging landing, a grid system made of monofilament fishing line can be installed. Strands of 20-pound-test line, spaced 10 to 15 feet apart and suspended 12 to 18 inches above the surface, prevent safe landing.
Sensory and Active Hazing Methods
Hazing involves actively scaring the geese to make them feel unsafe and unwelcome, and is most successful when initiated before they become habituated. The variety and timing of hazing techniques must be changed frequently to prevent the birds from growing accustomed to the deterrents. Visual deterrents, such as reflective Mylar tape or helium-filled balloons with large eye-spots, capitalize on the geese’s natural wariness of movement and glare. Reflective tape, secured to stakes, creates a flashing effect that can startle geese, but must be moved every few days to maintain effectiveness. Auditory methods, including recorded distress calls or sudden noises from propane cannons, trigger a fear response and are most effective when varied and unpredictable.
Active Harassment Tools
In situations requiring persistent, active harassment, a trained border collie is one of the most consistently effective, non-lethal tools available. Geese perceive the dog as a natural predator, and the dog’s presence quickly encourages the flock to leave the area. For dispersing flocks at night from water bodies, specialized green lasers can be used at dusk or dawn, as geese are highly sensitive to the sudden light beam.
Deploying Taste-Aversion Sprays
When geese continue to graze on a lawn, applying a taste-aversion spray can make the food source unpalatable without causing harm. The most common active ingredient is methyl anthranilate, a food-grade compound derived from Concord grape skins. This substance irritates the geese’s trigeminal nerve, making the treated grass highly unpleasant. The spray must be applied directly to the vegetation they are consuming. Since the repellent works by taste aversion, the geese must graze on the treated area to develop the negative association and relocate.