10 Foolproof Strategies to Protect Your Lakeshore from Pesky Geese

Geese can be a beautiful sight on a lakeshore, but they can also cause a lot of problems. Their droppings can make the area unsightly and unsanitary, and they can damage vegetation and lawns. If you’re a lakeshore property owner, you may be wondering how to keep geese away from your property. Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used to deter geese and keep them off your lakeshore.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding geese behavior is crucial in keeping them off your lakeshore.
• Physical barriers such as fences and netting can effectively keep geese away from your property.
• Scare tactics like noise makers and visual deterrents can discourage geese from nesting on your lakeshore.
• Altering your lakeshore by removing food sources and creating steep banks can make it less appealing to geese.
• Safe and effective repellents like grape extract and motion-activated sprinklers can keep geese at bay.

Understanding the behavior of geese: A key to keeping them off your lakeshore

Geese are attracted to lakeshores for several reasons. They are herbivores and feed on grasses, aquatic plants, and grains, all of which are abundant near lakeshores. Additionally, lakeshores provide open spaces for geese to rest and nest, as well as easy access to water for drinking and bathing. Understanding these behaviors can help in keeping geese away.

One effective way to deter geese is by making the area less attractive to them. This can be done by removing food sources such as grass clippings and spilled birdseed. Additionally, adding vegetation that geese don’t like to eat, such as prickly plants or herbs, can discourage them from coming to the area.

Physical barriers: Effective ways to keep geese away from your property

Physical barriers can be an effective way to keep geese away from your lakeshore. One option is to install netting over areas where geese are likely to gather, such as lawns or docks. The netting should be at least 6 feet high and have small enough holes that geese cannot get through.

Another option is to install fencing around the perimeter of your property. This can be done using materials such as wire mesh or plastic mesh fencing. The fence should be at least 3 feet high and buried at least 6 inches into the ground to prevent geese from digging under it.

Scare tactics: How to use noise and visual deterrents to discourage geese

Scare tactics can be an effective way to deter geese from your lakeshore. One option is to use decoys, such as plastic owls or coyotes, to make geese think there is a predator in the area. These decoys should be moved regularly to prevent geese from becoming accustomed to them.

Another option is to use noise makers, such as air horns or whistles, to scare geese away. These noise makers should be used consistently and at random intervals to prevent geese from getting used to the sound.

Habitat modification: Altering your lakeshore to make it less appealing to geese

Modifying the habitat of your lakeshore can be an effective way to discourage geese from coming to the area. One option is to remove food sources such as grass clippings and spilled birdseed. Additionally, adding vegetation that geese don’t like to eat, such as prickly plants or herbs, can make the area less appealing to them.

Another option is to create barriers that make it difficult for geese to access the water. This can be done by adding rocks or boulders along the shoreline or installing floating islands that provide nesting sites for other bird species but are not suitable for geese.

Repellents: Safe and effective options for keeping geese at bay

Repellents can be a safe and effective way to keep geese away from your lakeshore. One option is to use sprays or gels that contain ingredients that are unpleasant or irritating to geese, such as grape extract or capsaicin. These repellents should be applied regularly and after rain or irrigation.

Another option is to use visual repellents, such as reflective tape or scare balloons, that create a visual deterrent for geese. These visual repellents should be placed in areas where geese are likely to gather, such as lawns or docks.

Fencing: Different types of fencing to keep geese out of your lakeshore

Fencing can be an effective way to keep geese out of your lakeshore. One option is to use electric fencing, which delivers a mild electric shock to geese that come into contact with it. This shock is not harmful to the geese but is enough to deter them from entering the area.

Another option is to use invisible fencing, which uses an underground wire that emits a radio signal. When a goose wearing a special collar comes into contact with the wire, it receives a mild electric shock. This shock is not harmful to the goose but is enough to deter it from entering the area.

Plant selection: Choosing plants that geese don’t like to eat

Choosing plants that geese don’t like to eat can be an effective way to keep them away from your lakeshore. One option is to plant prickly plants, such as holly or barberry, which have thorns or spines that make them unappealing to geese.

Another option is to plant herbs, such as lavender or rosemary, which have strong scents that can deter geese. These herbs can also be used in cooking or for other purposes, making them a practical choice for lakeshore property owners.

Water management: How controlling water levels can discourage geese from nesting

Controlling water levels can be an effective way to discourage geese from nesting in your lakeshore. Geese prefer nesting on islands or peninsulas that provide protection from predators. By lowering the water level in these areas, you can make them less attractive to geese.

Additionally, by creating barriers such as rocks or boulders along the shoreline, you can make it difficult for geese to access the water. This can discourage them from nesting in the area and make your lakeshore less appealing to them.

Humane methods: Ways to keep geese away without harming them

There are several humane methods that can be used to keep geese away from your lakeshore. One option is to relocate geese to a more suitable habitat. This should be done by trained professionals who can ensure the safety and well-being of the geese.

Another option is to addle goose eggs, which involves shaking or oiling the eggs to prevent them from hatching. This method is effective in reducing the goose population without causing harm to the geese.

Long-term solutions: Strategies for preventing geese from returning to your lakeshore

There are several long-term solutions that can be used to prevent geese from returning to your lakeshore. One option is habitat restoration, which involves creating or restoring wetland areas that provide suitable habitat for other bird species but are not attractive to geese.

Another option is community education, which involves educating lakeshore property owners and the public about the problems associated with geese and how to deter them. By working together, communities can implement strategies that are effective in keeping geese away from lakeshores.

Keeping geese away from your lakeshore can be a challenge, but with the right methods and strategies, it is possible. By understanding the behavior of geese and implementing physical barriers, scare tactics, habitat modifications, repellents, fencing, plant selection, water management, humane methods, and long-term solutions, you can create a lakeshore that is unappealing to geese. It may take some trial and error to find what works best for your situation, but with persistence and patience, you can keep geese away and enjoy a clean and beautiful lakeshore.

If you’re looking for effective ways to keep geese off your lakeshore, you might find this article on Poultry Wizard quite helpful. It provides valuable insights on how to deter geese from invading your property and causing damage. From understanding their feeding habits to implementing effective deterrents, this article offers practical tips and solutions. Check it out here for more information.

FAQs

What are the common problems caused by geese on lakeshores?

Geese can cause damage to the lakeshore vegetation, create unsanitary conditions with their droppings, and pose a threat to human safety with their aggressive behavior.

What are some effective ways to keep geese off your lakeshore?

Some effective ways to keep geese off your lakeshore include using decoys, installing fencing or netting, using noise deterrents, and planting vegetation that geese do not like.

What are some natural ways to deter geese from your lakeshore?

Some natural ways to deter geese from your lakeshore include planting tall grasses or shrubs, using natural predators like dogs or hawks, and using reflective surfaces like mirrors or shiny objects.

Is it legal to harm or kill geese to keep them off your lakeshore?

No, it is not legal to harm or kill geese to keep them off your lakeshore. Geese are protected under federal law, and there are strict regulations in place for their management.

What should I do if I encounter an aggressive goose on my lakeshore?

If you encounter an aggressive goose on your lakeshore, it is best to slowly back away and give the goose plenty of space. Do not approach or try to feed the goose, as this can escalate the situation. If the goose continues to be aggressive, contact a wildlife professional for assistance.