|
|
|
Damage
Geese can cause
damage to agricultural crops year round, either by trampling or
consumption. Aesthetic damage to suburban lawns, golf courses, etc., is
incalculable. Geese are also a
health hazard- fouling reservoirs and ponds. A larger threat is air
safety. Geese are one of the main birds involved in airline bird strikes
worldwide.
Control
Non-migratory Canada geese are difficult to remove. Once established,
immediate corrective landscaping and behavioral modification is imperative:
Remove cover shrubbery; use herbicides to eliminate aquatic vegetation; and
reduce fertilizer, especially around pond area, to make grass less
nutritionally attractive. Several visual
scare products like the
Goose Guard and
Flash Tape combined with
ReJeX-iT taste deterrent should be employed as soon as the
birds enter the area, varying in location and type. For more established
flocks audio scare devices like
Zon Guns, Scare Streamers, the
Bird-Gard or
Bird Squawker units that project a variety of sounds through
several speaker locations in a random pattern should be set up at
strategically placed intervals. All systems require constant re-enforcement
and should be relocated frequently, especially the Goose Guard units to
remain a convincing threat to the birds. Physical barriers such as overhead
Gridwire & 4" mesh
StealthNet can be extremely effective barriers but are site
specific. These grids can be installed above water surface to prevent
landing. Fencing made of Gridwire (.96mm) provides a discrete barrier to
dissuade geese from entering property (especially from water areas) and can
be electrified for increased effectiveness. Wire fencing applications should
begin approximately 1’ off the ground with successive strands approximately
1’ above the last to a height of at least three feet. Four inch mesh
StealthNet with 1/2” reflective Flash Tape hanging from it can also be
utilized above and around ponds and grassy areas.
Nesting
Nesting sites are typically near water with protective vegetation in close
proximity. Planter boxes on high rise office building balconies in campus
like settings are quickly becoming a nesting site of choice. Geese are
extremely aggressive, posting sentinels at nesting and grazing sites.
Defense of nests can many times result in injury to people or pets who
venture too close.
Breeding
Female geese usually lay one egg every other day during the 25 day spring
mating season. The nest is abandoned a few days after hatching. Canada geese
are monogamous for life, but will re-mate upon the death of their mate.
Cycles
Non-migratory or residential geese, once established, prefer feeding at the
nesting site, but will often fly long distances to and from favorite feeding
grounds. Some feeding may occur during moonlit nights.
|
|
Canada Goose Quick Facts
Height/Weight
22" to 48"
3-4 lbs. to 24lbs.
Life Span
Generally 10-25 years; some instances 40+
Flight Speed
20 to 55mph
Range
All fifty states
rural to urban areas
Food
Graze on marsh grass, pond weeds, new grain and corn
Habitat
Grassy fields near water
Effective Control Products
Gridwire,
4" StealthNet,
audio/visual scare devices,
ReJeX-iT, wire perimeter
fences with
Flash Tape
|