Ridding lake shore property of geese

LaVonne
by LaVonne
How do you discourage geese from landing on lakeshore property? Our friends have owned lakeshore property for 10 years and all of a sudden they have issues with geese using it as their private bathroom. We live in MN so I know they will leave eventually but what to do in the summer??????
  4 answers
  • Nicole Nicole on Aug 07, 2014
    Moth balls are toxic, so unless you are trying to poison the local wildlife, this is a bad choice First of all, check with your local Wildlife agency and find out if deterring the geese is legal. If it is a protected species, you will be extremely limited on what actions you can legally take to deter them, but they should be willing to offer ideas. Do your friends have a dog? Maybe they could create a safe outdoor space for the dog in this area. The dog barking would help deter the geese. If that is not possible, then playing loud music during times the geese are more active may discourage them from being in that space. Also, talk with your local Agriculture Extension office and ask about plants and shrubs that would be safe to plant in your area but might deter the geese.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Aug 07, 2014
    I asked hubby and he said the only thing they can do is move! You do want to make sure to check with rules about migrant fowl...there are some very serious fines/jail time on certain species. If you hurt one, you can be in terrible trouble. For example, it is against Federal law for any person in the USA to even own an Eagle Feather...except for a Native American! You cannot even pick it up and take it to a museum! So be careful!
  • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on Aug 07, 2014
    Quite the problem in the Ottawa area. While you may only move the problem, this is what is happening in our city to keep the beaches clear of the geese. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/spooking-geese-from-beaches-not-the-solution-says-expert-1.1315635
  • Opal Opal on Aug 08, 2014
    A bigger dog or two, collie or other herding type beast to drive them nuts. I have heard that a barrier between water and lawn will help because they wont come up to feed/nest and therefore have no reason to come onto that part of the beach. Also they sleep at night on the water and flashing light (1-2 minute intervals) will disturb their sleep pattern and they will move on. Be sure to check your areas laws and good luck