Humane, Effective Goose Control for Commercial Applications

Gaggles of geese often looked upon by children as fun to feed and chase, have become man's nemesis. With over three million Canadian geese nationwide, the aggressive birds can create all sorts of problems, not the least of which is the loud honking sounds heard make when they choose to invade an area.

Barring effective goose control measures, geese prefer large inland bodies of water. They're typically found around lakes, reservoirs, large ponds, near rivers and seashores. The reason being is that geese are herbivorous and feed on aquatic vegetation, grasses, seeds, grain, and berries. They are also creatures of instinct and habit, often returning to the venue where they were born. When adult geese molt their flight feathers (for about 3 to 4 weeks in the summer), they are flightless and can become rather annoying. In the absence of predators (like foxes and coyotes), geese have become quite prolific, especially in urban areas.

Without a workable goose control strategy, invading flocks of geese will commandeer an area, creating quite a mess. This includes feathers, nesting materials and, of course, smelly, disease-carrying droppings. Deposited in ponds, lakes and other bodies of water, goose droppings can contaminate these and other areas of parks, golf courses and business parks. An adult goose can leave up to a pound and a half of droppings behind ?each day! Geese will also eat holes in lawns and shrubbery, denuding gardens and farm crops, and making for some very unhappy property owners.

Finally, as most people have read or heard on the news, geese can present a real safety hazard around airports. In some cases, these collisions have actually downed the aircraft, which is what happened to US Airways Airbus after a flock of geese disabled both engines, forcing it to land in the Hudson River. It's no wonder goose control measures are now required at many airports.

There are many goose control measures that can be implemented to control or disperse geese; an experienced professional will know what抯 best for each situation. Companies like Bird Doctor Nationwide offer some of today抯 most effective and humane goose control techniques. They include:

Repellents

There are goose repellents that can be sprayed on or over grass and vegetation to keep geese off of lawns, golf courses, out of parks and more. Geese come onto these areas to graze on grass, often leaving a considerable mess behind. Most goose repellents are made with the active ingredient methyl anthranilate, a grape extract that bothers a goose抯 mucous membrane. When geese go to feed from treated areas, they will realize there is no longer a food source, and move onto a better spot. Goose repellents are ideal for use on athletic fields, corporate parks, golf courses, courtyards, backyards and other areas where grazing geese have become a problem. Typically repellents will last around three months. Companies like Bird Doctor can set up a service schedule to make sure that the geese do not come back after the repellent wears off. There are two ways Bird Doctor can use goose repellents to disperse geese; by spraying plants and grass areas directly, or by fogging the repellent into the area with a thermal fogger. Goose repellents used by Bird Doctor are non-toxic and safe for use in areas that humans or animals frequent.

Barriers and Decoys

Geese often choose areas that are safe and easy to access. One way to deter geese from entering properties is to make the area less attractive by altering the environment. If a threat in the area is perceived, or an area is difficult to access, geese will usually move on. Two methods Bird Doctor offers to disperse geese are the placement of coyote decoys and installation of 揼ull wire? Coyote decoys can be strategically placed around a property to scare off geese. Using decoys is a tried and true method that when placed correctly, can be an inexpensive fix to a goose problem. Bird Doctor also installs 揋ull Wire??a low wire fence used to discourage geese from entering a property. The wire is usually suspended between poles a few feet off the ground. Wire fences are a low profile solution to blocking geese from a property.

Sound Deterrents

Sound deterrents can also be used to deter goose populations. The appeal of using a sound deterrent is that they can cover large areas ?aces in fact. Bird Doctor works with goose deterrents that play recorded predator and goose distress calls. A distress call is what geese send to each other when there is danger in the area, when geese hear the sounds, they will take off for safer ground.

Population Control

If other techniques fail, property owners might consider population control. While Canada Geese are listed as a protected species under the Federal Migratory Bird Act, companies like Bird Doctor can obtain permits to implement methods to control goose populations. OVO Control for instance is a common goose birth control that Bird Doctor can use to reduce future goose populations. OVO control will not harm geese; it is fed in the form of a grain in order to make their eggs infertile. Egg addling is another form of goose 揵irth control?that involves making goose eggs infertile after they have been laid.

Residential Geese are what wildlife control specialists are calling the rising number of Canada Geese that are choosing to stay in North America year round, instead of migrating back to Canada. Fortunately, companies like Bird Doctor Nationwide can help you select the best goose deterrent for your specific commercial venue--including athletic fields, corporate parks, golf courses and parks. For more information, visit: http://www.birddoctorinc.com or call 1-800-825-1151

Bird Doctor Nationwide抯 technicians provide professional bird control services throughout the country, servicing 39 Fortune 500 Companies. Bird Doctor Nationwide/Bug Doctor also services Yankee Stadium, Rockefeller Center, the French Embassy and the United Nations. Bird Doctor Nationwide is here to serve you and protect your business and is in the never-ending pursuit of customer satisfaction.