Canada Geese on private waterfront property quickly become a problem due to the accumulation of droppings, which pose health risks and create slipping hazards, in addition to noise and potential property damage. A single adult goose can produce up to one to two pounds of feces daily, making large flocks disruptive to dock areas and nearby lawns. Reclaiming a dock requires a multi-faceted approach that is effective and compliant with wildlife protection laws. Successful deterrence relies on making the dock and the surrounding environment appear unsafe and unattractive to these wary birds.
Physical and Visual Exclusion Methods
Physical barriers are effective because they directly prevent geese from landing or walking onto the dock surface. A discreet method involves installing tensioned wire systems, often using low-visibility monofilament line or specialized wire strung across the dock. The wires are placed at strategic heights and intervals to disrupt the geese’s flight path and make them feel uneasy about landing, creating an invisible barrier. This system does not harm the birds but removes the flat, open space they seek for safety and rest.
Another exclusion technique uses plastic mesh or specialized netting, which can be temporarily installed along the dock’s perimeter or over the adjacent water surface to block access. For visual deterrence, reflective materials capitalize on the geese’s sensitivity to sudden, erratic light movement. Lining the edges of a dock with reflective tape or hanging reflective streamers and flags creates a confusing environment that encourages the birds to look elsewhere. Stationary predator decoys, such as those mimicking swans or coyotes, can be used, but they must be moved frequently (every few days) to prevent the geese from recognizing them as a non-threat.
Habitat and Landscape Modification
Modifying the habitat immediately surrounding the waterfront is a long-term strategy targeting the geese’s foraging preferences. Canada Geese are grazers that prefer short, manicured grass, such as Kentucky bluegrass, because it provides easy foraging and clear sightlines for predator detection. Allowing the lawn adjacent to the water to grow to a height of 8 to 10 inches (about 20-25 cm) makes the grass less palatable and reduces the birds’ sense of security. This taller vegetation creates an obstacle geese are reluctant to walk through to reach the dock.
Taste-based chemical repellents offer protection for the surrounding turf. These products contain the active ingredient methyl anthranilate (MA), a non-toxic compound derived from Concord grapes. Methyl anthranilate works by mildly irritating the geese’s trigeminal nerve and mucous membranes when they ingest the treated grass, making the food source unpleasant. Consistent use of this repellent trains the geese to avoid the area by associating the discomfort with the location. Eliminating any intentional or unintentional feeding by humans is important, as the availability of food reinforces their presence.
Sound and Motion-Based Deterrence
Active deterrence methods introduce sudden, unpredictable stimuli to make the area feel unsafe for resting geese. Motion-activated water sprinklers are a popular tool that combines three deterrents: sudden movement, startling noise, and a burst of water. These devices use an infrared sensor to detect the geese, responding with a harmless spray of water that covers a wide area. This causes the birds to flush and leave immediately. This startle response is effective, and the device conserves water by only activating when motion is detected.
Sonic devices that broadcast species-specific distress calls and predator sounds, such as coyote barks, are used to simulate a threat. These systems must use authentic goose alarm calls and should be programmable to randomize the frequency, duration, and sequence of the sounds. This randomization prevents the geese from becoming habituated to a predictable pattern, which would render the device useless. Devices that create sudden, unpredictable movement, like specialized balloons or kites designed to mimic raptors, can further contribute to the perception of danger.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Any efforts to deter Canada Geese must operate within federal law, as the species is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This legislation prohibits the hunting, killing, or capturing of migratory birds, their eggs, or their nests without a specific federal permit. Consequently, all deterrence methods must be non-lethal, focusing on harassment or exclusion to encourage the birds to leave. Violations of the MBTA can result in fines ranging from \(\\)5,000$ to \(\\)15,000$ for a misdemeanor, or even imprisonment.
Property owners should check with local municipal or county authorities regarding the use of specific deterrents. Local ordinances may restrict the volume or timing of noise-making devices to prevent public disturbance. The application of chemical repellents must adhere to manufacturer instructions and local regulations concerning the use of non-toxic substances near waterways. When installing physical barriers like tensioned wires or netting, care must be taken to ensure the systems do not create tripping hazards for humans or risk the entanglement of other wildlife.