About Dan Frankian

about dan frankian

Dan Frankian is an accomplished falconer, using his skills to provide a natural alternative to chemical and product driven Bird, Animal, and Pest Control in the Toronto and Golden Horseshoe Area... Read more »

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Why Are Canada Geese Choosing Brampton Parking Lots?

In this case, geese aren’t looking for water — they’re looking for safety and food.

Large parking lot with green space

  • Large, flat, open areas mimic a natural “safe zone” (geese can spot threats from all directions)

  • Asphalt absorbs heat, making parking lots warmer during chilly spring mornings

  • Landscaped islands, grassy borders, and mulched areas provide grazing and nesting space

  • Quiet time windows (weekends, early mornings, holidays) allow undisturbed nesting

  • Examples across Brampton:
    • Commercial plazas
    • Business parks
    • Apartment or condo visitor lots
    • Public facilities and industrial yards
    • Parking areas in public parks such as Chinguacousy Park

What Kind of Damage Do Geese Cause in Parking Lots?

Corrosive Goose Droppings

  • Acidic feces damage vehicle paint and concrete sealants;

  • Droppings stain paving stones, entryways, and decorative features.

Blocked Drains and Ponding Water

  • Nesting materials clog curb drains and catch basins;

  • Standing water leads to slip and fall hazards and asphalt wear.

Accident and Liability Risks

  • Goose droppings on painted lines and ramps create slippery and unsafe surfaces;

  • Aggressive geese may cause injuries;

  • Slippery feces are particularly risky in senior centers, healthcare facilities, and schools.

Aggressive Behaviour Near Entrances

  • Nesting pairs may hiss, chase, or attack staff and customers;

  • Increased complaints, bad online reviews, and workplace tension.

Delays for Operations & Deliveries

  • Industrial and logistics yards may see vehicle movement delays due to flocks of geese blocking areas.

All of these issues impact reputation, safety, maintenance costs, and insurance risk — especially for commercial and municipal lots.

Canada goose

What Makes Goose Problems in Parking Lots Unique?

Unlike ponds or parks, parking lots are harder to manage due to public access, hard surfaces, and traffic flow:

  • Geese may nest in awkward, hidden spots, such as under shrubs, medians, near dumpsters, or HVAC units;

  • Accumulation of droppings on walkways and car doors is messy, slippery, and foul-smelling;

  • Customer complaints or tenant frustration may impact reputation;

  • Aggressive geese near nesting zones: will block access, hiss, chase, or even attack;

  • Collisions with automobiles;

  • Property damage due to corroded paint and steel railings and/or jam drainage grates from excessive goose droppings;

  • Safety and liability risks are elevated, especially around seniors, kids, or during wet weather.

Why DIY Goose Deterrents Don’t Work in Parking Lots

  • Fake owls and predator decoys get ignored due to so much visual “noise” from cars and signage; this is in addition to geese realizing quickly that these decoys pose no actual threat;

  • Sprinklers or motion water devices can’t be installed on pavement;

  • Ultrasonic repellents have a limited range and are blocked by vehicles;

  • Nest removal is illegal without a federal permit (Migratory Birds Convention Act).

Goose Control Strategies for Parking Lots

Falconry Patrols (Using Eagles)

  • Large raptors are flown by licensed and expert handlers;

  • Geese immediately recognize the threat and avoid open lots;

  • Falconry is especially effective where there’s no overhead obstruction (e.g., commercial plaza or industrial yards);

  • No cleanup, no noise, no disruption — just natural fear response!

Trained Herding Dogs

  • Working dogs are recognized as predators, safely flushing geese without harming them;

  • Dogs are effective in larger parking lots or shared-use spaces (condos, schools, or government buildings);

  • Trained dogs are guided by a handler to move between rows or landscaped corners;

  • This needs to be repeated 2–3 times per week during nesting season for lasting effect.

Green Laser Deterrents

  • Used during low-light hours (from dawn to dusk), lasers assist in making the environment seem unpredictable and unsafe;

  • Lasers disorient geese and create the impression of movement;

  • Lasers are ideal for 24-hour facilities, allowing for early-morning sweep applications or wintering geese;

  • Lasers must be handled carefully and requires trained operators to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Habitat Modification of Landscaped Areas

  • Replace short, trimmed grass in medians with:
    • Tall ornamental grasses
    • Dense shrubs
    • Rock gardens or low fences

  • Landscape changes can discourage geese from nesting in parking lots and reduce food sources;

  • Habitat modification is often overlooked as one of the most cost effective and reliable long-term solutions for bird control.

Staff/Tenant Policies and Early Reporting

  • Post “Do not feed the geese” signage;

  • Encourage early reporting of bird sightings or nests;

  • Clean up litter quickly — even crumbs attract them;

  • These policies are ideal for residential lots, government properties, and high-traffic zones.

Conclusion

  • Parking lots might seem unthreatening, but Canada geese love them for a reason

  • Early intervention saves time, cost, and complaints

  • Goose Control and Removal solutions are available for every type of property in Brampton and across the GTA

Hire Hawkeye for Effective, Humane, and Proven Long-Term Goose Control

Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is the foremost geese removal service in the Greater Toronto Area. From falconry to custom solutions, Hawkeye offers a comprehensive plan to deal with Canada geese in Brampton and beyond. Call today and get started on your geese management plan and find out how you can get rid of geese in your parking lot.

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