People have mixed opinions of Canada geese. Geese are probably the most adaptable and tolerant of all native waterfowl. As their populations have increased, and man has encroached on their natural habitat, a conflict between man and geese was certainly inevitable.
Canada geese will readily establish nesting territories on any suitable pond, located on a golf course, apartment complex or commercial property. Most people will welcome the first pair of geese. However, in a short time a pair of geese can easily become 50 birds, which causes aggravation as they foul the area (1 to 2 pounds of dropping a day per bird), damage landscaping and become aggressive towards people.
It is possible to control the geese population in a natural way, which will remove the conflict between man and beast. The key to solving the problem is to make your property less attractive to Canada geese -- reduce goose food and increase the birds’ wariness of potential danger.
Limit the amount of food sources.
- Stop feeding the geese
- Let grass grow taller (at least 6 inches)
- Keep tall grasses (at least 18 inches) around ponds
Increase wariness of predators on site.
- Use dense tall plantings along shorelines
- Add variety to landscaping with clumps of taller plantings
- Locate ball fields and other grassy expanses as far from open water as possible
- Maintain stands of trees so geese do not have easy access to water
- Use harassment techniques such as border collies
Border collies’ wolf-like glance and natural ability to herd convinces the geese that there is a predator on site. With consistent use, geese will feel too unsafe to stay at that location. – Jeff Hower, President, Ohio Geese Control, www.ohiogeesecontrol.com
According to The Humane Society, the most effective way to scare geese away is with trained goose-herding dogs. Herding dogs convince geese they are not safe from predators. Only trained dogs working with a handler should harass geese. Dogs should never catch or harm geese. For more information on methods of controlling Canada geese populations naturally, contact Ohio Geese Control, www.ohiogeesecontrol.com.
