Geese can be a real nuisance when they start to congregate on docks. Not only do they make a mess, but their droppings can also corrode the wood. Additionally, geese’ noises can be irritating enough to make you want them to stay away from your property.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep geese away from your docks including using decoys, installing bird wiring and nets, spraying liquid goose repellent, using noise deterrents, and other methods.
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What Attracts Geese to Flock to Waterfront Property?
Geese are attracted to areas with a lot of open space, grass, and location with open water. They are also drawn to places where there is a plentiful food supply. Geese will often flock to areas where there are other geese already present.
A waterfront dock typically has all of these features, which makes it an attractive spot and provides easy access for geese to gather.
Why Do Some People Don’t Want Ducks and Geese on Their Property?
It’s a familiar sight. A family of ducks or geese waddling around a park or pond, feeding, quacking and honking away. For the most part, people enjoy seeing these creatures and often take pictures or feed them bread crumbs (tip – don’t feed geese bread). But not everyone is happy to see ducks and geese. In fact, some people go so far as to try to get rid of them.
There are a number of reasons why someone might not want these birds on their land property or yard.
- Ducks and geese can be very messy, leaving droppings all over the property.
- These waterfowl can also be very loud, often quacking and honking at all hours of the day and night.
- Some people find their presence to be unsightly or even creepy.
- Ducks and geese can cause damage to gardens and lawns, and their constant grazing can destroy flower beds.
- In addition, these birds pose danger because they can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans and other animals in their poop and nasal discharge.
- Geese, in particular, can be quite aggressive. Small children and the elderly are vulnerable to their attacks.
How to Scare Geese Away From Your Dock
These are only a few ways to deter geese from hanging around your dock. Keep in mind though, that once a goose builds a nest and lays eggs, you can’t just relocate or remove them.
Use A Decoy
Geese can be a nuisance around your dock. They can damage property with their droppings and they can be aggressive. One way to goose-proof your dock is to use swan decoys. Swan decoys are very realistic and the geese will be frightened away by them. You can purchase swan decoys at most hunting and fishing stores.
The reason why geese are afraid of swans is that swans are much larger and can be more aggressive. Swans can also be very territorial, so if a goose encroaches on their territory, they may attack.
Other decoys you can use include owls decoys and coyotes. Geese are afraid of these predators and will keep their distance because they don’t want to become prey. You can get owl decoys with rotating heads which are best.
Placing decoys strategically in the area and on the water around your dock can prevent geese from visiting entirely. Some people swear by a single goose decoy, while others use flocks of four or more.
Moving the decoys around occasionally to different areas will help to keep the geese guessing, and make them less likely to become accustomed to their presence.
Be sure to remove the decoys when they’re not needed, as leaving them out all the time can actually attract geese to your dock area.
Use Liquid Goose Repellent
Another prevent way of keeping geese off your dock is spraying the area around your dock with goose repellent. Most off-the-shelf goose deterrents contain an active ingredient called methyl anthranilate. Goose repellent spray contains a dye that is only visible to birds.
Interestingly, this chemical gives Kool-Aid a sweet and grapey flavor. Geese hate the smell of this chemical so you can use the grape variety of Kool-Aid to scare Canada geese away.
Get Dori Poles with Flowing Pennants
Geese are afraid of the unpredictable movements of Dori poles with flowing pennants. Dori poles were originally designed as a creative display for festivals and special events. The sound of the fabric flowing in the wind will also bother them.
You can purchase a long pole with streamers attached. Or you can make your own out of PVC pipe and old cloth or t-shirts. Simply tie the strips of cloth to the end of the pipe and wave them around to scare the geese away.
Let Vegetation Grow
Geese prefer to build nests in areas where they can clearly see the other side of the tall shoreline vegetation for potential predators. They know that these predators hide in tall grasses. Don’t cut the grass and plants surrounding your dock.
You can also plant wetland and terrestrial plants such as cattails and sedges. So, you can use grass and vegetation as an effective deterrent.
Use Noise Deterrents
Geese can be scared away with the help of noise deterrents like air horns, clanging sounds, and even your own voice. However, you need to keep in mind that geese will get used to these loud noises over time if you use them repeatedly.
To prevent them from getting used to the loud sounds, alternate their use each time. You could also try using a recording of goose distress calls.
Install a Fence
A fence, net, or wiring can be an effective deterrent. The fence can restrict or block access to your dock and should be at least six feet high and made of material that the geese cannot see through.
The fence should also be installed at least two feet away from the dock. Geese are social animals and will not stay in an area where they cannot see or communicate with other geese.
Don’t Feed the Geese
Geese hang around areas where food sources are abundant. Additionally, waterfowl that are fed regularly will eventually lose their fear of humans. So if you want to keep geese away from your dock and don’t want to deal with goose problems, don’t feed these birds.
Use Visual Deterrent
Visual deterrents, such as Mylar tape and flashing lights, can be used to keep geese away from your dock or garden. Mylar tape is very reasonable and works very well.
The reflective tape and lights will startle the geese and make them think twice about landing on your dock.
The Take-Away on How to Deter Geese From Flocking on Your Dock
Geese are fascinating birds. But sometimes, they can be a nuisance. Aside from being loud, they also eat a lot which means they produce a lot of droppings. So, it’s no wonder why most people don’t want them on their land or dock.
Fortunately, there are easy and cheap ways to address a goose problem. If you want to keep geese off your dock, you may want to do one or a combination of the aforementioned tips. However, whatever method you choose make sure it is safe, not only for you but also for the birds.
FAQs on Canada Geese and Their Habits
Is Wild Goose Poop Dirty?
Yes, it definitely is. Goose droppings are not only unappetizing, but they can also pose serious health risks. The bacteria and diseases that they carry can cause serious illnesses in humans, so it’s important to be aware of the dangers that goose droppings can pose.
If you come into contact with goose droppings, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your face. It’s also a good idea to avoid areas where there are high concentrations of birds, as the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria is increased in these areas.
