Tips to Avoid Problems With Geese

The Popular Canadian Goose

Are you sick and tired of geese making a mess of your yard? They are so plentiful in Michigan, that many people view geese as pests. But did you know that Canadian geese were once a rare sight in our state? It might be hard to imagine, but in the 1950s the giant Canadian geese were nearly extinct because of unregulated over hunting and wetland habitat loss.

The increase in the Canadian geese population is due to successful wildlife management programs and the adaptability of these birds. Geese are attracted to areas that provide food, water and protection. Urban and suburban areas with neatly manicured lawns nears lakes and ponds area ideal for geese to obtain all the resources they need.

Here are some tips from the DNR on how to keep geese away from your yard:

  • Make your yard less attractive to geese by allowing the grass to grow long and refrain from fertilizing or watering it.
  • Use scare tactics like bird-scare balloons, loud noises and mylar tape to make unwanted geese leave the area.
  • Apply repellents to the lawn to deter geese from feeding on the grass. Grape concentrate is useful for yards and turf.
  • In June and July, Canada geese are unable to fly because they are molting. Construct a temporary barrier between your yard and the water to keep flightless geese out.
  • Do not feed Canada geese. Artificial feeding can habituate them as well as harm their digestive system. Bread products are not beneficial to waterfowl survival.
  • Be aware of your surroundings when visiting parks and areas near water. Canada geese are protective of their nests and hatchlings. Do not disturb them or get too close.

The geese are so adaptable they can live close to humans and get accustom to any scare tactics, so it is best to keep them guessing! Although many find geese annoying, with some patience and understanding we can learn to find the beauty and respect the perseverance of these birds!

Article and Photo Reference: Michigan DNR