GOOSE CONTROL

Waterfowl are a common occurrence on lakes, streams and wetlands. Their presence adds to the beauty and charm of our region's water resources. A family of mallards or Canada geese is enjoyable to watch at a distance. But when they show up in our backyard with several dozen of their "friends," the appreciation quickly turns to frustration. Not only can the resultant droppings reduce the usefulness of our yard or dock, they also increase the nutrients running into our lake.

Because geese graze primarily on grass, well maintained lawns provide a great food source. Planting trees, shrubs, and ground covers along the shore line is the best long-term way to discourage geese from coming on our property. This type of greenbelt may take a year or more to establish, so in the meantime, here are some helpful suggestions:

• Do not feed the ducks or geese. This only keeps them interested in your property.
• In areas where geese are walking into your yard, border your property boundaries with two strands of string fencing at five and 14 inches off the ground.
• Place bright orange flags, 1/2-3 feet in size on your lawn.
• Place owl or snake decoys on your lawn. They must be moved frequently to be effective.
• Apply a natural goose-repellent made from grape extract (diluted with water) to your lawn.
• "Managing Canada Geese in Urban Environments" is a 42-page guide to legal ways of persuading problem goose flocks to go elsewhere. Copies can be ordered for $10, publication #147IB243 from Cornell University Media and Technology Services Resource Center, 7 Cornell Business and Technology Park, Ithaca, NY 14850 or call (607) 255-2090.  A companion video, "Suburban Goose Management: Searching for a Balance" is also available for $24.95. 
  This book and video may be borrowed from Martin Oakes.

Adapted from Current Reflections, a publication of the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, 1998. Also check Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine, December 1998 for an article on goose control by David L. Sperling.

Reproduced from "Lake Tides" Wisconsin’s lake magazine, Vol 24, No. 3, Summer 1999.
This page last updated 21 May 2001.