How to Get Rid of Pesky Neighborhood Geese

by M.C. Millman

You are not alone if you are wondering how to get rid of the pesky neighborhood geese. 

Geese not only make a lot of noise, but their droppings pose a health hazard to people. A flock can easily over-graze your lawn, leaving the area lifeless and damaged. Geese are also aggressive during mating season and when protecting their young. During that time, they will chase anyone approaching their territory. 

There are many ways to discourage geese, but a cocktail of methods will usually be the most effective. Remember, the whole process will take a while, so don't get discouraged or give up after just a few attempts. 

The best time to start your goose control measures is as soon as you notice geese in your area. As their name implies, once "resident" geese settle into an area, they are harder to eliminate. They also become accustomed to scare techniques and are not threatened by the presence of humans.  

Here are the top seven things to do.

1) Stop Feeding Them

Feeding geese in parks or on private property leads to well-fed birds. In turn, it can cause even more birds to flock to the site. Feeding geese can also cause them to be dependent on human handouts, making them less likely to migrate. 

2) Install Visual Detterent(s)

There are a variety of visual deterrents out there. However, a top-rated one for goose control is the coyote decoy. For the most effective control, move the decoy around your property periodically to make the environment uncomfortable for the geese. There are many other decoy options, such as purchasing a mock dead goose or fake alligator. 

3) Install Audio Deterrent(s)

Pairing an audio deterrent with a visual deterrent is a great recipe for more effective goose control. You can purchase audio deterrents that use a combination of prerecorded goose calls and predator bird calls to drive them away. Sound units are available in plugin and solar power options if you want to put them in open areas without electricity. 

4) Use a Liquid Goose Repellent

An EPA-approved liquid goose repellent is one of the best products to keep geese away. The product uses food-grade ingredients like grape seed extract to irritate the geese. Geese that feed on grass treated with the repellent will be driven away by the irritation. The repellent is safe to use around humans and pets. 

5) Install a Sprinkler Goose Deterrent

There are motion-activated sprinkler geese deterrents to purchase that will scare geese away. This option is great because it is entirely safe for everyone, including geese- but be careful so it doesn't spray you when you get close! 

6) Grow Your Grass Taller

Understandably, growing the grass in your yard over 6-inches isn't a sustainable solution for most. If you're game, try letting your grass grow. Geese like to stay in clear areas to monitor potential predators. Tall grass makes geese feel unsafe and will have them looking for a new yard to congregate in. 

7) Get Professional Help

Suppose all else fails, or you simply don't want to worry about your goose issue. In that case, you can look for an experienced professional to help you avoid all the trial and error.