Strategies to Deter Canada Geese
If your business is near water or has open landscaped spaces, chances are you’ve encountered Canada geese (Branta canadensis).
Goose populations have surged in recent decades, especially throughout the Credit River Watershed and Greater Toronto Area, because of modern landscaping and development practices. Wide expanses of manicured lawns and stormwater management ponds mimic their natural habitat (to a paradise-like extent), creating ideal conditions for them to nest, feed and settle during warmer months.
These birds can be a challenge for businesses. A single goose can eat up to four pounds of grass daily and leave behind three pounds of fecal matter. This creates aesthetic and health risks and contributes to poor water quality by increasing bacteria in stormwater ponds. During nesting season, geese become aggressive and territorial—frequently attacking employees, customers and delivery personnel.
How to Goose-proof Your Property
By proactively goose-proofing your business, you not only protect your landscape and infrastructure but also reduce liability risks, improve aesthetics and ensure a more welcoming environment for clients and staff. Take these steps to discourage geese, which are protected under the Migratory Bird Act:
- Turf the turf. Replace traditional lawns near bodies of water with dense native plantings. This can deter geese by blocking sightlines and access, making the area less appealing for feeding and nesting. Identifying and restricting access to nesting grounds, including tiny islands or rooftops that are protected from predators, can also prevent geese from becoming established. Physical barriers or low fencing can help.
- Use visual deterrents. Place decoy swans inside water features and decoy coyotes, raccoons or eagles around water features. These mimic predators and can discourage geese from settling in. Occasionally, adjust the position of these decoys so geese don’t get used to them.
- Behavioural deterrents. Install signage and raise awareness among staff to discourage feeding.
- Monitor and maintain water quality. Regularly monitor contaminant levels in bodies of water if geese are present. Installing bubblers, aerators or motion-activated sprinklers in stagnant ponds will disturb calm surfaces that geese prefer and improve water quality.
We can help you with nature-based, cost-effective plans for deterring geese on your property. Connect with a stewardship coordinator to get started.