subject: Geese Raised Ammonia Levels Of Areas Sewage Plant [print this page] The community trapped the tame geese that lived there and moved them to other areas. The problem was that other Canada geese would stop at the lagoons during their migrations. The birds felt safe there because the fences that surrounded the lagoons kept predators out. Community leaders acknowledged that there wasnt much they do to keep the wild geese out. While the township had removed four domestic geese from the location, the geese that evaded capture attracting more of the pesky birds.
Geese can cause considerable damage to agricultural crops by eating and trampling. Many a golf course has bee ruined by the aggressive and destructive presence of geese. They often leave huge quantities of bird droppings, which can foul reservoirs and ponds, and turn a beautiful rolling green belt into an unsightly, smelly mess. They can also be a hazard to aircraft when they roost in open areas near airports.
Stubborn, territorial and aggressive, geese often graze on lawns and quickly ruin beautifully landscaped property. One goose can produce a pound or more of waste per day. Goose manure can pose health risks, too. So for these and other reasons, discouraging even a small flock of geese from roosting or nesting on your property can save you a lot of grief and expense. Small flocks of geese will quickly attract geese passing through the area and, before you know it, youll soon have to deal with a full-scale invasion.
One of the problems many property owners must deal with is the fact that the Canada goose is a protected species under the Federal Migratory Bird Act. Which means youll need a permit to hunt, possess, capture, sell or transport Canada geese, including any part, nest or egg. So whats a property owner to do?
Many have tried noisemakers--like propane cannons, fireworks and bullhorns--but the problem with these measures is that the geese come back. And unless youre prepared to fire cannon and fireworks 24/7, you wont solve the problem.
Fortunately, there are some geese deterrents on the market that are both humane and highly effective. They include:
Creating an Optical Distraction Zone
Under this category, youll find Flash Tape, which comes in iridescent reflective foil that reflects sunlight and crackles in the breeze. Also included here are Scare-Eye Diverters, which are basically teardrop shaped bags covered with a large predator eye. And finally, theres the Bird-Scare Balloon, a beach-ball sized deterrent with a lifelike reflective predator eye to make geese feel like theyre being watched. These scare devices work best when combined with other deterrents. They should be moved about and changed to keep geese from getting used to them.
Creating a Sonic Distraction Zone
There are a number of sound producing devices that broadcast sounds fearful to geese--like distress and predator calls that convince geese that danger is approaching. These devices should be placed where geese gather most frequently--in gardens, backyards, patios, and other open grassy spaces.
Creating an Unappetizing Zone
Economical and surprisingly effective, chemical repellents are used to cover grassy areas with a very unappetizing but harmless substance that leaves a bad taste in the mouths of geese. Formulated from a grape extract, the chemical is safe for pets, geese and humans. The chemicals are easily applied using simple hand-held sprayers. Two applications last up to three months, rain or shine. The best goose repellent is registered with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Creating a No-Fly Zone
Called Scarecrows, these motion-activated sprinklers hit invading geese with a "persuasive" blast of water the second geese wander within their radius of protection. The sudden blast of water, startling sprinkler sound and realistic looking bird-like moving head convince even the most stubborn bird that they are not welcome. Scarecrows connect to any garden hose and use just 2 to 3 cups of water per spray. They cover nearly 1,200 square feet with a blast that reaches out 35 feet by 45 feet wide. Scarecrows stay on duty day and night for up to 6 months--delivering over 1,000 "firings" on a single 9-volt battery. And its easy to fine-tune their sensitivity and spray distance.
