Geese can be a nuisance for homeowners, businesses, parks, golf courses, and more. Their droppings can create unsanitary conditions, they can be aggressive during nesting season, and their grazing can damage grass and plants. Finding an effective goose repellent is important for controlling goose populations humanely and safely. There are a few key questions to consider when choosing a goose repellent:
– What types of goose repellents are available?
– How do different repellents work?
– What application methods work best?
– How effective are different options?
– What are the pros and cons of different repellents?
– Are there restrictions on using certain repellents?
This article will provide an overview of the most common goose repellent options, how they work, their effectiveness, and the pros and cons of each to help determine the best solution for specific needs and situations.
Types of Goose Repellents
There are a variety of different goose repellent products and techniques available, which can be divided into a few main categories:
Physical Barriers
Physical barriers prevent geese from accessing an area by putting a physical obstruction in their way. Examples include:
– Fences – A fence around the perimeter of a pond or area can block geese from coming onshore. Needs to be at least 30 inches high.
– Grid wire – Low grid barriers can be placed over grass to prevent geese from landing and grazing.
– Visual repellents – Flash tape, balloons, scarecrows, and reflective materials can deter geese from nesting or grazing in an area. Need to be moved regularly.
Chemical Repellents
Chemical repellents use smells or flavors to deter geese by creating an undesirable surface for them. Types include:
– Anthraquinone-based – Cause stomach upset if geese ingest treated grass. Applied as liquid spray.
– Methyl anthranilate – Grape flavoring makes grass distasteful. Applied as liquid spray.
– Essential oils – Strong smells deter geese. Used in sprays or fogging treatments.
– Alkyl amine – Soap-based spray makes surface uncomfortable.
Noise & Visual Repellents
These repellents scare geese away using sounds or flashing lights. Examples are:
– Propane cannons – Periodic loud blasts frighten geese.
– Predator decoys – Fake coyotes, alligators, snakes, owls can deter geese.
– Laser lights – Sweeping laser light beam startles geese.
– Flagging – Reflective tape on poles distracts and unsettles geese.
– Radio controlled boats – Remotely chasing geese with a boat.
Trained Dogs
Using trained border collies or other herding dogs to chase geese away and patrol areas. The geese see the dog as a threat and leave.
How Different Repellents Work
Understanding how various goose deterrents work can help choose the best option and use them most effectively:
Physical Barriers
Physical barriers like fences or wire grids work by simply blocking the geese’s access and ability to walk or land in an area. They create a physical obstruction. Advantages are they don’t rely on scaring the geese, so geese don’t get used to them. Disadvantages are installation cost and aesthetics.
Chemical Repellents
Chemical repellents use scent or taste to make an area unpleasant for geese. Anthraquinone causes stomach upset if ingested, teaching geese to avoid treated areas. Methyl anthranilate makes grass taste bad with its grape flavor. Other chemicals smell bad or irritate geese’s feet. Geese avoid unpleasant areas. Reapplication is needed after rain or mowing.
Noise & Visual Repellents
These work by startling geese and triggering their instinct to flee from potential threats. Loud noises, flashing lights, and predator decoys scare geese away. The wide variety of options allows alternating different scare tactics to maximize effectiveness. Drawbacks are geese can become desensitized over time.
Trained Dogs
Dogs chase, herd, and hunt geese as part of their natural instincts. Border collies are commonly used because they are highly trainable herding dogs. Their harassment and pursuit causes geese to perceive them as a threat. Dogs are able to actively patrol and chase geese from areas. Consistent training is needed.
Application Methods
Proper application and placement of goose deterrents is key for optimal effectiveness:
Fences
– Place fence near water’s edge to prevent geese from moving between water and land
– Sloping fence top prevents perching
– Minimum 30 inches tall
Grid Wire
– Place over areas geese graze, nest, or frequent
– Anchored tightly to ground so geese cannot lift it
– Can quickly roll up to mow or access area
Visual Repellents
– Place where geese nest, feed, or approach the water
– Move regularly so geese don’t get accustomed
– Combine with other deterrents for enhanced effectiveness
Chemical Sprays
– Apply early spring before geese nest
– Reapply after rain, heavy dew, or every 2-4 weeks
– Spray where geese graze – turf, planting beds, walkways
Noise & Visual Repellents
– Place where geese sleep or nest
– Vary location, sounds, lights to prevent habituation
– Use predator decoys near nests for maximum effect
– Laser lights are more effective at night
Dogs
– Have dog actively patrol problem areas
– Dog presence near nests, grazing areas, and shorelines is most impactful
– Consistency is key, geese will return if dog is not there daily
Effectiveness of Goose Repellents
The effectiveness of different goose deterrents can vary significantly. Key factors include:
Fences
– Very effective barrier if installed correctly
– Prevents geese access to feeding, nesting, and resting areas
– Geese unable to lift grid wire if installed tightly
Chemical Repellents
– Anthraquinone rated >90% effective in research trials
– Methyl anthranilate 50-70% effective
– Reapplication needed reduces overall success
Noise & Visual Repellents
– Up to 100% effective initially
– Effectiveness decreases over time as geese habituate
– Sounds and lasers typically 60-80% effective
– Decoys can deter nesting near water
Dogs
– Trained dogs can be 80-100% effective
– Consistent harassment makes geese feel unsafe
– Geese may move to adjacent untreated areas
Combining Methods
– Using dogs, chemical sprays, and noise/visual repellents together provides best results
– Different tactics work synergistically and prevent habituation
– Can achieve 90-100% effectiveness with integrated program
Pros and Cons of Goose Repellents
Physical Barriers
Pros:
- Very effective barrier if installed properly
- Geese unable to get past or lift barriers
- Do not require ongoing maintenance or reapplication
Cons:
- High initial installation cost
- Can be aesthetically unappealing
- May not be feasible or allowed in all locations
Chemical Repellents
Pros:
- Relatively inexpensive
- Easy application with sprayer
- Some can be used in planting beds
Cons:
- Frequent reapplication required
- Rain reduces effectiveness
- Some chemicals may impact plants
Noise & Visual Repellents
Pros:
- Various affordable devices available
- Easy to vary locations and tactics
- Can be effective for dispersed goose flocks
Cons:
- Geese eventually habituate
- Requires labor for moving/operating
- Noise may disturb neighbors
Trained Dogs
Pros:
- Very effective harassment
- Dogs actively chase geese away
- Provides 24/7 on-demand repellent
Cons:
- Expensive to hire trained dog company
- Dogs cannot be used near roads
- Consistent access to dog required
Restrictions on Goose Repellents
There are some legal and locality restrictions on certain goose deterrent techniques:
Harassment Restrictions
– Cannot destroy goose nests or eggs
– Cannot harm geese
– Cannot use methods dangerous to geese
Hunting Regulations
– Hunting geese requires permits and is restricted to certain seasons
– Cannot hunt within certain distances of homes and roads
Noise Ordinances
– Loud noises from cannons or other devices may be prohibited
– Avoid goose harassment during overnight hours
Chemical Use
– Some chemicals prohibited in certain towns or parks
– Cannot be used near water sources
– May be toxicity risks to pets and wildlife
Permit Requirements
– Placement of fences or barriers may require city permits
– Permits needed for laser lights in some areas
Following all applicable laws and regulations is critical when utilizing goose deterrents. Checking with state wildlife agencies and local authorities is advised.
Conclusion
When evaluating goose control solutions, there are several effective options to consider including physical barriers, chemical repellents, scare tactics, and trained dogs. Key factors in choosing the best approach are cost, required effort, longevity, area size and layout, and how many geese need to be repelled. Integrating multiple tactics often provides the most successful and long-lasting results. Care should be taken to follow all legal restrictions. With some strategic planning, an appropriate goose deterrent program can humanely and sustainably resolve nuisance goose issues.