How to Keep Geese Away From Your House

Have you heard them yet? Canada geese continue to arrive in southern Ontario after an oh-so-long winter, making goose control in the GTA a growing concern for homeowners. And while you may welcome the sound of honking and its association with spring, you surely aren't looking forward to dealing with geese settling in your yard and around your home or business.

Discover what you can do to keep geese off your lawn and how to stop them from nesting on your property.

Why Are Residential Properties Attractive to Geese?

The GTA's urban and suburban backyards actually feature much of what geese like best, so it's no wonder that this is where they settle in. Additionally, geese are highly intelligent, adaptable, and resourceful and have learned to thrive alongside humans. Here's where you may typically find Canada geese in residential areas:

• Open Lawns
  Short cut lawns are ideal for grazing and young, new shoots of grass are highly sought after by geese.
  
  
• Backyard Ponds
  Bodies of water not only provide hydration but are also essential for waterfowl like geese.
  
  
• Quiet Rooftops and Flat Spaces
  Any area with an unobstructed view in all directions makes a perfect home for Canada geese.
  
  
• Food Availability
  While not exactly making for a healthy diet, much of human left-overs and trash is being consumed by geese.
   

Key goose-related problems homeowners face:

• Aggressive behaviour during nesting season
• Droppings damaging lawns, patios, and walkways
• Noise and hygiene concerns
• Legal restrictions on disturbing geese
  
  

Why Geese Choose Your House to Nest

Part of getting rid of geese is figuring out why they choose your property in the first place. Here are some factors to consider:

• Strong Site Fidelity
  If you've had geese congregating on your property last year, you will almost certainly see them again this spring. In order to make the annual migration to and from their winter home, geese have developed incredible memory. But that also means that they return to last year's breeding grounds.
  
  
• Well Maintained Lawns
  All geese, but little goslings in particular, love the first green grass shoots. And those are easier to get to when the grass is short.
  
  
• Clear Sightlines
  Geese prefer open, level ground with unobstructed views to detect ground predators as early as possible.
  
  
• Easy Access to Food & Water
  Backyard water features including inground pools allow for escape from predators, and human food waste makes for quick snacks.
   

With goose breeding season in the GTA starting right now, prevention and/or early intervention is critical. If you're wondering how to prevent geese from returning each year, early intervention and habitat changes are key. Check out some of our other articles on how to prepare your property before geese return and top goose prevention tips.

Signs You Have a Growing Goose Problem

• Frequent visits by pairs (early nesting sign)
• Territorial or aggressive behaviour
• Flattened grass (grazing patterns)
• Accumulation of droppings
• Nest-building near water features, rooftops, or landscaping beds.
  
  

How to Keep Geese Away from Your Home Naturally

If you're searching for how to keep geese away from your home, start with habitat modification. Habitat modification is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to keep geese off your lawn and out of your backyard pond. Basically, the best way to keep geese away naturally is by making your property less attractive to them.

Reduce Lawn Appeal

• Let grass grow to 4 inches or longer
• Avoid over-fertilizing
• Replace some grassy areas with native plants and shrubs
  
  

Add Visual Barriers

• Plant shrubs, hedges, or install low fencing
• Use tall ornamental grasses near water edges
  
  

Modify Water Features

• Add pond-edging plants, such as switchgrass.
• Install ripples/fountains to disturb calm water
• Reduce opportunities for geese to walk into the water.
  
  

Physical Deterrents to Keep Geese Away from Your Home

There are a number of humane goose deterrents in the form of barriers that can help prevent geese from congregating and nesting on your property.

Fencing Solutions

Low mesh fencing around gardens, small ponds or along the water's edge can be temporary or permanent. This can be especially helpful around waterfront homes.

Bird Spikes & Ledge Modifications

Installing ledge protection can prevent geese from landing on:

• Roofs
• Docks
• Railings
  
  

Netting for Sensitive Areas

Netting is a more complicated product to install but can successfully deter geese from sensitive areas.

• Protect rooftops or enclosed courtyards
• Works best for repeat nesting spots
  
  

Do Behavioural Deterrents Keep Geese Away from Your Home?

Unfortunately, the following deterrents are NOT effective and we do not endorse their use.

Visual Deterrents

• Reflective tape
• Predator decoys (limited effectiveness long-term)
  
  

Noise-Based Deterrents

• Motion-activated sound devices
• Occasional disturbance techniques
  
  

Why DIY Deterrents Often Fail

• Geese quickly adapt
• Ineffective without rotation or professional strategy
• Don’t address nesting behaviour
  
  

Common Mistakes GTA Homeowners Make

• Purposely or unintentional feeding of geese - this encourages permanent settlement
• Ignoring early signs of nesting
• Attempting to remove nests without permits - this is illegal in Canada
• Relying solely on store-bought deterrents
• Egg oiling:
  • Geese continue sitting on non-viable eggs
  • Does not solve the root problem
  • Delays resolution
    
    

When to Choose Professional Goose Control Services

Because these birds are so habitual and display such strong site fidelity, getting rid of geese almost always requires the services of professional goose removal services. For most properties, the best way to remove geese is through a combination of professional deterrents and habitat modification. Geese are also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and ANY work done around geese or nest removal requires a valid permit.

Here are some signs that it’s time to contact a professional goose control service:

• Geese returning year after year
• There's active nesting on your property
• Aggressive geese are posing a safety risk
• You have a large property or waterfront home with high exposure
  
  

Professional Goose Control Solutions for GTA Homeowners

These are some of the most effective residential goose control solutions available today.

Falconry Using Eagles (Highly Effective Natural Deterrent)

• Uses trained birds of prey to:
  • Create a real predator threat
  • Break site loyalty permanently
• Works especially well for:
  • Large residential properties
  • Waterfront homes
  • Estate properties
    
    

Trained Dog Programs

• Trained dogs patrol the grounds and represent predator presence
• Safely and humanely chase geese away
• Highly effective for:
  • Lawns and open spaces
  • Small bodies of water
  • Ongoing prevention programs
    
    

Legal Goose Nest Removal Services

If you need to get rid of a goose nest, it must be done legally with proper permits and professional oversight.

• Fully compliant with Canadian wildlife regulations
• Prevents future population growth on your property
  
  

Why Hawkeye Delivers Best Goose Removal Results

We have been in the business of removing geese from all types of properties for over 35 years. Our multi-prong approach of using conventional control methods in conjunction with falconry promises long lasting results.

• Target root cause (site attachment)
• Fully compliant with wildlife laws
• Faster and longer-lasting outcomes
• Reduced risk of aggressive encounters
• Customized for your property layout
  
  

We know that understanding how to deter Canada geese legally is critical, as disturbing nests or eggs without permits is prohibited in Canada. Talk to Hawkeye about a long-term goose management plan for your location or property.

Talk to Hawkeye about a long-term goose management plan for your location or property.

Take Action Before Geese Settle in: Call Hawkeye Today!

Early intervention is key when it comes to discouraging geese on your property. While habitat modification is something you can often do yourself, once nesting begins, professional help is crucial. A professional geese removal service will help you get the appropriate permits for your situation and control methods needed. A proactive strategy helps you effectively get rid of geese and keep them from returning. This strategy includes a long-term geese management plan and ensures that your outdoor space remains clean and safe for the summer months.

Call Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control today and ask about our geese removal programs.

Hawkeye's geese removal services are available all across Southern Ontario, including Toronto , Scarborough , Brampton, Vaughan , Markham , Ajax , Newmarket , Etobicoke , Oshawa , and Mississauga .

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https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/geese-nest-removal-in-brampton