How to Get Rid of Geese from Your Dock

Ahhh.. summer is on the horizon and with the warmer weather we all look forward to activities near or on the water. Unfortunately, so do our beloved Canada geese.

Of course, being waterfowl, they love and in fact need water. And, here in Ontario, we have plenty of lakes (large and small), beaches, marinas, and parks offering water features.

In fact, Toronto and its nearby cottage regions have over 250,000 lakes!

Let’s have a look at what we can do to get rid of geese from our docks and marinas this summer:

What’s The Issue with Geese on Docks?

• Geese are loud, messy, and often times aggressive. Probably not what we look for in our summer retreat with the kids.
• Goose droppings (especially excessive amounts) also pose some fairly significant issues related to health, water quality, and slip-and-fall accidents.

Goose control and management efforts are necessary to help protect you and your family, marina and park employees, and the public at large. Please note that ALL goose removal efforts require planning and permits. Read on and learn what keeps geese off docks and which geese control methods yield the best long-term results.

Why Geese Flock to Docks

• Open, flat sightlines offer visibility and safety
  Geese are most comfortable on even ground with little or no obstructions – this enables them to spot predators early and retreat to the water for safety.
  
  
• Easy access to water
  Water is not only necessary for hydration, but also provides a safe haven for geese.
  
  
• Lack of natural predators in urban and cottage settings
  Even though the overall setting may be rural in cottage country, the constant presence of humans and their shenanigans pretty much assures that predators keep their distance.
  
  
• Human feeding and lack of deterrence reinforce their presence
  The absolute worst thing we can do is feed geese. Yes, the goslings are adorable and will come close and we may even get to pet them. But we are creating the very problem that we’ll later lament and want solved.
  
  

Cottage Waterfronts & Private Docks

Goose Control Challenges:

• Docks are often unmonitored and void of human activity for long stretches;
• Owners want minimal disruption and no damage to natural surroundings.

Most Effective Solutions:

• Birds of Prey
  After the initial 10-12 days of flying birds of prey, twice weekly falconry visits are highly effective. Falconry for Geese Control requires an experienced falconer and large birds of prey (like eagles).
  
  
• Habitat Modification
  Growing grass along the shoreline taller will help and also adding low fences or shrubs around water access points will discourage geese. This is something cottage owners can do on their own.
  
  
• Laser Deterrents
  Lasers are quiet and minimally invasive; they work best in low light (early morning/after sunset) and make the environment appear unpredictable and potentially unsafe for geese to nest. This requires handling by a professional.
  
  
• Pyrotechnics
  The drawback, of course, is the noise disturbance. But pyrotechnics are highly effective geese deterrents for docks if also deployed in low light conditions (similar to lasers). This requires a licensed and experienced operator.
  
  
• Nest Removal (Not Addling/Oiling)
  Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control does not necessarily endorse egg oiling. It doesn’t solve the problem at hand because the geese don’t realize that their eggs are no longer viable. They will continue to sit on their nests and remain a constant presence throughout the summer months. Egg addling or oiling also needs to be handled by professionals.
  
  

Tip: A combination of falconry and habitat changes works best for seasonal cottage use.

Public Marinas & Waterfront Parks

Goose Control Challenges

1. Constant human traffic, liability risks, and sanitation issues;
   
   
2. Possible disturbance to boat owners and visitors;
   
   
3. Geese are smart and quickly habituate to ineffective deterrents.
   
   

Most Effective Solutions:

• Ongoing Raptor Patrols:
  Scheduled falconry deters geese across large marina zones;
  
  
• Hazing with Trained Dogs 
  Great waterfront geese deterrents in parks and public spaces;
  
  
• Pyrotechnics & Remote-Controlled Vehicles (ROVs)
  Effective in creating an undesirable environment for geese nesting and breeding;
  
  
• Pond Wiring/Dock Netting
  Limits access to landing areas and removes the sense of safety;
  
  
• Habitat Modifications Around Dock Entrances
   Installing low fencing and/or planting low-visibility barriers will also deter geese from nesting and breeding.
  
  

Tip: Public marinas benefit from an integrated control plan — often combining 2–3 methods across zones. A geese management plan with associated permits should be in effect at the beginning of the year.

Why Not Sprinklers, Decoys, or Egg Oiling?

• These methods have little or no long-term impact, especially around docks and open water.
  
  
• Geese are intelligent and adapt quickly - and return.
  
  
• Egg oiling delays the problem - it doesn't solve it.
  
  

Relocation: A Last Resort (and Expensive) Option

If you are dealing with a large flock of geese terrorizing your boaters and visitors, there is the possibility of geese relocation. While geese are molting (lose and regrow their primary flight feathers) they are grounded and fairly easy to round up. They can then be relocated to a location approved by the MNRF and that is usually about 400-500 south west of your location and a point on their migration route. The pre-approved site needs to be prepared, secured, and monitored for the rest of the season. All of this is rather time and labour intensive – read costly.

Why a Multi-Method Approach Works Best

• No single bird control method is 100% effective on its own.
  
  
• Geese have strong homing instincts and adapt quickly unless they experience ongoing pressure from multiple sources.
  
  
• Combining techniques prevents nesting, deters loitering, and reduces return visits.
  
  

Contact the Experts in Geese Removal in the GTA

Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is the #1 Goose Control Company in the GTA. With over 35 years of experience and licenses ranging from commercial falconry to shooting in sensitive environments, we offer custom solutions for your circumstances.

For professional goose management for your cottage dock or a busy public marina across Mississauga, Toronto, and the GTA, contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control. Early intervention with proactive and humane control methods is key.