How to Get Rid of Geese from Lakefront Properties

Waterfront properties experience some of the most persistent Canada goose problems because, unlike other properties, lakefront sites naturally provide almost everything geese need. That can make it particularly difficult to get rid of geese on a waterfront property without addressing the conditions that attract them in the first place.

This article will explore what you can do to get rid of geese and discourage them from settling around your lakefront home and when it's time to call in professional help.

Understanding How Geese Use Lakefront Properties

Canada geese are attracted to your lake-fronting property for some of the same reasons you are: water, nature, and peace and quiet.

How geese move between water and feeding areas

• Daily travel patterns
• Shoreline access routes
• Preferred entry points
  
  

Why geese prefer open waterfront lawns

• Unobstructed visibility allows for early predator detection
• Easy access to water
  
  

Why shorelines become goose nesting hotspots

• Vegetation (food sources)
• Limited disturbance
• Access to water
  
  

Why DIY Goose Deterrents Fail on Lakefront Properties

When the environment is so perfect and provides everything a family of Canada geese needs, as a lakefront home does, deterrents that may work on other properties promise little success. Here's why these methods fail:

• Large body of water remains available
  Chasing geese (i.e., with dogs) is often ineffective if they can simply retreat to the water and out of reach.
  
  
• Geese can relocate short distances and return
  Chasing geese when they can relocate to a neighbouring lawn or another part of the property and return after the annoyance also yields no long-term success.
  
  
• Deterrents lose effectiveness
  Canada geese are highly evolved, intelligent birds. They will quickly recognize and ignore visual or auditory deterrents that do not pose any physical danger.
  
  

Best Ways to Get Rid of Geese Living on Lakefront Properties

It's important to understand that no one method alone will work to keep Canada geese away long term. Effective goose control for lakes and lakefront properties typically requires a combination of strategies tailored to how geese use the surrounding water, shoreline, and feeding areas.

The following goose control strategies address different aspects of how Canada geese use waterfront properties.

Habitat Modification to Get Rid of Geese Along Shorelines

Modifying the landscape can significantly alter how Canada geese perceive and/or use your property. These birds really prefer open spaces with unobstructed views to help them detect ground predators early. They also need access to open water to stage a quick escape, preferably with a gradual slope that allows them to walk into the water.

• Shoreline vegetation 
  Plant longer grasses along the shoreline
  
  
• Shrub plantings
  Plant shrubs to cut down on open sight lines
  
  
• Visual barriers
  Large rocks along the shoreline can act as visual barriers and cut off walk-in access to the water 
  
  

The goal is to make shoreline access inconvenient and less safe for Canada geese.

Shoreline Fencing for Goose Control

Fencing can also reduce visibility, make water access more difficult, and interrupt movement patterns.

• Low-profile fencing
• Temporary barriers
• Strategic shoreline placement
  
  

Shoreline fencing is most often used at residential and community waterfronts, and in parks and resorts.

Falconry for Lakefront Goose Control

Birds of prey alter Canada goose behaviour in ways other deterrents often cannot and is extremely effective.

• Natural predator pressure
• Discourages geese from settling
• Effective on larger waterfront properties
  
  

Trained Dogs for Lakefront Goose Removal

Trained dogs are almost always used in conjunction with falconry. Chasing geese on shore alone will not be successful; they will simply retreat to the open water and return when the dogs leave.

Dog patrols can be helpful on large waterfront properties, in resorts, parks, and on corporate waterfront campuses. They can cover extensive shoreline areas that are difficult to manage manually.

Lasers and ROVs for Waterfront Goose Control

Both lasers and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are used in addition to other control methods in low light conditions (between dusk and dawn) to further make the area appear unpredictable and unsafe for Canada geese. Lasers are generally used on land, while ROVs are deployed in the water. Both create unpredictable movement in the dark, when geese feel vulnerable and on high alert.

Goose Relocation for Large Waterfront Flock Problems

When all else fails, Canada geese relocation (or translocation) may be a solution for large properties, especially seasonal establishments that rely on tourists or summer traffic. Planning, preparation, permits, and costs are considerable factors. Toronto based wildlife specialist Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control can help.

How to Get Rid of Goose Nests on Lakefront Properties

Getting ahead of the problem is always a good idea, so getting rid of geese before they are nesting is important. Early detection allows for easier management and quicker intervention. Interrupting the annual breeding cycle by removing and/or destroying the nest also affects future years. Egg oiling/addling is not recommended because geese do not realize that the eggs are no longer viable and will continue sitting on the nest for the remainder of the summer.

Because the Canada goose is a protected bird under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, ALL work around geese requires permits before it can commence. Contact a goose control specialist for professional help.

How to Prevent Geese From Returning to Your Lakefront Property

A good long-term goose management plan starts with observation:

• Identify High-Risk Areas Before Geese Become Established
  Shoreline sections where geese frequently come ashore
  Open lawns directly connected to the water
  Quiet corners with little human activity
  Areas where geese have nested in previous years
  
  
• Monitor Goose Activity During Spring and Early Summer
  Early-season activity often predicts future problems
  Importance of spotting repeat visitors
  Recognizing nesting attempts before they become established
  Tracking recurring flock locations
  
  

Prevention starts with identifying where geese are most likely to settle. This can be based on experience from previous years or by looking at the landscape overall. Geese are easier to manage before they become attached to a site.

Reduce conditions that encourage geese to stay for long periods

• Geese prefer undisturbed waterfront areas.
• Mintaining active use of recreational spaces is crucial.
• Manage areas that provide easy access between water and land.
  
  

Pay attention to shoreline changes that may increase goose activity

• New landscaping projects
• Shoreline restoration projects
• Newly seeded lawns
• Open sightlines created by vegetation removal
  
  

Property improvements can sometimes unintentionally attract geese.

Develop a seasonal goose management plan before peak goose activity begins

• Perform annual property inspections
• Monitor nesting areas
• Identify recurring hotspots
• Determine when professional assistance may be needed
  
  

Partnering with an experienced Canada goose removal professional to create a proactive plan is often more effective than reacting after geese have become established.

Contact Hawkeye for Goose Control for Lakefront Properties

Because every waterfront is different and shoreline layout matters, an integrated goose management plan has to evaluate how a specific property’s water access and food availability influence goose behaviour. A partnership with a licensed and experienced Canada goose removal expert will provide the best long-term results, particularly when professional goose removal services are needed as part of a broader management plan. Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control offers solutions and insights developed over the past 35+ years. Contact us today!

Our highly skilled falconers and dog operators are available for geese control all across Southern Ontario, including Toronto, Scarborough, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Ajax, Newmarket, Etobicoke, Oshawa, and Mississauga

Related Articles:
https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/geese-nest-removal-in-brampton
https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/how-to-prepare-gta-properties-before-geese-return-this-spring
https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/how-to-break-the-goose-nesting-cycle-and-stop-them-from-returning