Other Deterrents
The first critical step is to stop feeding the geese. Educate your neighbors, friends, and family about the need to allow geese to forage on their own.
Bird Scare Tape
Scare tape is a thin sheet of shiny mylar about 1/2inch wide that is placed between fence posts or metal stakes that are at least 24 inches high. At least two to three rows should be attached using duct tape. It is usually silvery on one side with another color on the other. The geese are scared off by the noise when the wind blows and by the reflection created by the sun. This temporary fencing needs to be long enough that the geese cannot walk around it and access your yard from another location.
Scare tape can usually be found at your local feed and seed store such as Hohl’s or Fairhaven Hardware and Garden. This is usually a seasonal item so get it early in the planting season.
Hazing
Timing is critical if hazing is your preferred method for goose relocation. It must begin as soon as the first goose arrives and while it is still flying. A molting and flightless goose is less likely to leave without a physical barrier.
The goal of hazing is only to scare the geese away. Any actions that can injure, confine, or potentially kill the geese are not permitted.
Common Hazing Methods
- NOISE: Any loud banging or clanging noise applied consistently; usually works best in conjunction with other methods
- CHASING/FRIGHTENING: Chasing the geese with a broom or spraying with a garden hose.
- DOGS: Border collies have been used more and more at golf courses and parks. At home your own dog confined to the yard by an electric invisible fence may help. A tied up dog poses no threat to the geese and will not scare them off.
A dog on a cable run may work temporarily if it is placed parallel to the shoreline. Dogs are not permitted to injure the geese.
Chemical Applications
Goose repellents such as Turf Shield and ReJex-iT AG-36 are made with natural, biodegradable, food-grade ingredients and are non-toxic to people, pets or birds. It’s active ingredient, methyl anthranilate is a sweet smelling chemical derived from grapes and citrus fruit.
Follow all directions for application of the product. Reapplication will be needed as it will degrade naturally and be washed away during a rainstorm. The treatment must be thorough and cover the entire lawn area, as the geese will simply move to an untreated section.
