The presence of Canada geese on lakes and ponds creates a range of issues that affect both human activity and the environment. A single goose can produce up to two to three pounds of droppings daily, leading to significant accumulation of fecal matter around shorelines. This excessive waste introduces high levels of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen into the water, which can promote the growth of nuisance algae and even harmful algal blooms. Pathogens such as E. coli and Giardia found in the droppings can also contaminate the water, potentially making recreational areas unsafe for swimming.
Modifying Shoreline Habitat
The most sustainable strategy for reducing goose presence involves making the lake environment less attractive to them. Canada geese prefer areas with short, manicured lawns that provide an unobstructed view of predators and easy walking access to the water. Converting the shoreline from turf grass to a dense, tall vegetative buffer is an effective long-term deterrent.
Allowing shoreline grass to grow to a height of at least 18 to 36 inches discourages geese from grazing, as they prefer the tender new shoots of shorter grass. This tall vegetation also obstructs their line of sight, making them feel vulnerable to predators and less likely to settle. Ideally, this buffer should extend for a strip of 20 to 30 feet from the water’s edge.
Physical barriers can further block the easy access geese seek between the water and feeding areas. Installing low-profile fencing, approximately 2 to 3 feet high, along the perimeter of the lawn prevents the geese from walking onto the property. Alternatively, natural barriers like riprap (large, haphazardly placed boulders) or planting dense, native shrubs and cattails create a permanent, intimidating environment. Eliminating the use of fertilizer should also be included, as geese find it particularly attractive on grasses.
Active Physical and Sensory Deterrents
Once geese have established a presence, active deterrents are necessary to harass them and convince them that the area is unsafe. The effectiveness of any scare tactic relies heavily on consistency and rotation to prevent the birds from becoming habituated to a single method. Using motion-activated sprinklers or remote-controlled boats can target geese directly on the water, where they feel most secure, introducing an element of surprise.
Visual deterrents simulate the presence of a predator or introduce unpredictable light patterns. Placing decoys of natural predators, such as coyotes or floating alligator heads, can be temporarily effective, but they must be moved every few days to maintain the illusion of a threat. Adding reflective materials like Mylar tape or specialized lasers, particularly at dawn and dusk, can further disorient the birds.
Auditory deterrents, such as propane cannons, pyrotechnics, or devices that broadcast goose distress calls, can frighten flocks away. Local noise ordinances must be considered before deploying these methods, especially in residential areas. The most effective form of active hazing often involves trained working dogs, typically Border Collies, which use herding instincts to chase geese without making physical contact. Regular patrols by these dogs create a lasting sense of danger that encourages the geese to relocate permanently.
Permitted Population Management Techniques
For long-term control of a resident goose population, methods that reduce reproductive success are necessary to stabilize flock numbers. The most common technique is egg addling, which renders the eggs non-viable while keeping the nest intact. This process involves coating the eggs with 100% food-grade corn oil, which prevents air exchange through the shell and stops the embryo from developing.
Returning the treated eggs to the nest is crucial because it tricks the female goose into continuing incubation for the full term (typically 25 to 30 days). If the nest were destroyed or the eggs removed, the female would likely lay a replacement clutch, defeating the control effort. For addling to be an effective population stabilizer, at least 80% of all nests in the area must be treated annually.
Techniques involving interfering with nesting require specific authorization before implementation. While non-lethal hazing does not typically require a permit, activities like egg addling are regulated because they disturb the nest, which is protected federally. In extreme cases where non-lethal methods are insufficient, legal removal or relocation programs may be conducted by specialized contractors, often requiring a special depredation permit.
Understanding Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Any management activity concerning Canada geese must be conducted with full awareness of federal and state wildlife laws. Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), a federal law that makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture, or kill any migratory bird, including their parts, nests, or eggs, without authorization. This protection means that simple harassment or hazing is generally allowed, provided it does not injure or kill the bird.
Activities that directly interfere with reproduction, such as egg addling or nest destruction, require specific authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Landowners and managers must often register their property online with the USFWS before the nesting season and comply with all reporting requirements. Before beginning any control method beyond simple habitat modification, it is advisable to consult with the state wildlife agency or local municipality to ensure compliance.