There are many ways to discourage geese from settling in your area. No single technique is universally effective and socially acceptable. Persistent application of a combination of methods is usually necessary and yields the best results.
Goose problems in suburban areas are especially difficult because birds are not afraid of people and may become accustomed to scaring techniques. Also, some techniques are not compatible with desired uses of suburban properties.
For example, loud noisemakers in residential areas, putting grid wires over swimming areas, or letting grass grow tall on athletic fields, are not practical remedies in those situations. But don’t rule out any technique that might be feasible. Dogs under strict supervision can safely be used in parks and schools, and controlled hunting has been successfully used at some golf courses.
Initiate control measures as soon as you notice geese in your area and be persistent. Once geese settle in a particular location, they will be more tolerant of disturbances and be difficult to disperse.
No method works well with just a few attempts, and a comprehensive, long-term strategy is usually needed.
Control measures work in various ways. Some reduce the biological capacity of an area to support geese by reducing availability of food or habitat. Other methods disperse geese to other sites where, hopefully, they are of less concern.
Some techniques reduce the actual number of geese to a level that people can tolerate. Control techniques described here include those that have the best chance for success based on past experience.
