You'd expect Canada geese to invade our beaches and parks (and they do!) but you rarely look up to discover geese nesting on rooftops. You're not alone. We don't usually think of geese up high, but it actually makes sense, particularly, in Vaughan's industrial areas with lots of flat roofs. Let's explore this often overlooked issue of bird control for industrial, commercial, and residential flat roofs all across the GTA.
Why Rooftops Attract Canada Geese
- Most people associate geese with grassy parks and ponds, but rooftops—especially flat, open commercial roofs—are ideal for geese.
- Key factors that make Vaughan rooftops appealing:
- Height offers protection from ground predators;
- On cooler days, HVAC vents and reflective surfaces offer some added warmth;
- Rainwater often pools on flat roofs and affords a quick drink;
- There is little to no human traffic or interference;
- Many of Vaughan’s industrial buildings, malls, and offices offer the perfect combination of space and security for geese.
Hidden Risks of Rooftop Goose Roosting
- Accumulated droppings pose a health hazard, such as slip and fall accidents and/or the introduction of pathogens;
- Ventilation systems can become contaminated and threaten the health of building occupants, particularly those with compromised immune systems or respiratory issues;
- Geese droppings also cause corrosion and damage to the roof itself;
- Clogged drains from droppings, feathers, and nesting materials can lead to water pooling and potential flooding that leads to costly roof damage;
- Spring nesting and overprotective nesting pairs cause delays to roofing work, HVAC servicing, or solar panel maintenance;
- Legal complications due to Canada geese being protected by the Migratory Birds Convention Act;
- Improper geese removal methods in Vaughan can lead to fines or lawsuits.
Common Rooftop Goose Deterrents to Avoid
- Audio deterrents, visual decoys (like fake owls or predator balloons), sprinklers, and motion sensors are largely ineffective;
- Geese are intelligent and highly adaptable; they quickly learn to ignore these devices;
- Egg oiling or addling also doesn’t provide immediate results:
- Geese continue to sit on unviable eggs and will be around all summer;
- It may take years for them to abandon the site in spite of no eggs hatching;
How to Get Rid of Geese from Your Vaughan Rooftop
- Birds of Prey (Falconry):
Eagles are natural predators and recognized by Canada geese as such;
A highly experienced commercial falconer will fly an eagle over the area inhabited by geese;
Geese perceive the area as dangerous, will leave immediately, and are less likely to return. - Trained Working Dogs:
Depending on the size of the roof, trained dogs may be able to patrol the rooftop;
Much like an eagle in the air, this would also signal an unsafe environment to geese. - Lasers:
Lasers are highly effective during low-light conditions (early mornings and evenings);
Lasers are pointed to the ground in front of geese; they disrupt geese without harming them. - Habitat Modification (specifically for rooftops):
Low visual barriers can be installed (e.g., short fencing or HVAC enclosures), impeding a clear line of sight and making taking off and landing more difficult;
Removing standing water or installing better drainage may prove helpful;
Installing light rooftop vegetation (like shrubs) if possible also aids in making the rooftop a little less attractive. - Pond Wiring (for properties with rooftop water features or nearby retention ponds):
Pond netting or wiring prevents landing, especially if geese use the water source as a nesting trigger. - Nest Destruction
Complete removal of existing nests and all nesting materials - MUST HAVE PERMITS!
Destruction of the nest is done in front of the geese and the nest site is then covered to prevent re-nesting;
Geese DO understand that their nest and eggs are gone and that this is not a safe or suitable site for nesting.
Hawkeye's Long-Term Geese Protection & Management Plan
Geese control, like all commercial bird control efforts, isn't a one-time deal or a one-size-fits-all solution. Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is Vaughan’s trusted provider of advanced goose control solutions, from falconry to trained dogs and custom solutions, tailored to YOUR needs.
It is imperative that you partner with a wildlife removal company that offers licensed, humane methods for rooftop goose control solutions and that is insured and well versed in obtaining the appropriate permits. Hawkeye is that company. Call us today to learn more about our goose removal services and to get started on your customized goose management plan for your rooftop in the city of Vaughan and across the GTA.
Check out some of our other goose removal pages for: Brampton, Mississauga, and Aurora