Is Goose Control Effective Without Harming Other Wildlife?

What Humane Goose Control Is All About

Unfortunately, a lot of Canada geese have become resident geese. They don’t migrate in and out of Columbus anymore because we have milder winters and plenty of grassy feeding areas near bodies of water—think parks, office campuses, schools, and golf courses. This has led to the need for goose control services.

At Go Geese Go, we focus on humane goose control methods. Our goal isn’t to kill or hurt the geese. We just want to encourage them to nest somewhere else. We use humane goose management techniques that change behavior instead of using lethal force.

Our preferred goose control method is using our team of border collies to “herd” the geese and scare them away. Our dogs are trained not to attack the geese. They just “stalk” and chase the geese on your property to make them rethink nesting there.

But this is just one of many humane goose control methods. Here are a few other methods that don’t involve harming other wildlife:

Goose Control Methods That Don’t Harm Other Wildlife

Habitat Modifications

Habitat modifications are a great way to manage geese in a humane way. Geese are attracted to short grass and open sightlines because they like to have escape routes. If this sounds like your property, you might want to modify it. Here are a few things you can do:

• Let shoreline vegetation grow taller
• Plant native plant buffers
• Put up fences and barriers to block water exits
• Reduce the amount of manicured turf on your property

These changes make your property less attractive to Canada geese. And most importantly, these changes won’t negatively affect other species.

Scaring Techniques

Scaring techniques are another non-harmful goose control strategy. These methods take advantage of geese’s natural avoidance instincts, encouraging them to relocate without injuring them. Here are just a few of the most effective scaring techniques:

• Trained dogs that simulate natural predators (this is our preferred method)
• Human-led harassment
• Laser deterrents at dawn and dusk
• Pyrotechnics like screamers and shell crackers
• Remote-controlled boats and drones
• Noise deterrents like air horns and whistles

These techniques can all be effective if they’re rotated and adjusted over time. When you partner with Go Geese Go, we’ll visit your property regularly to keep geese from coming back. Our trained border collies scare your geese away and save you from having to experiment with all of these other methods.    

Egg Sterilization and Egg Destruction

This one is controversial in terms of being humane, but some people get permits to use egg sterilization and egg destruction as a part of their long-term goose control plans. These management techniques are used to prevent future population growth instead of harming adult birds.

With egg sterilization, eggs are treated so they don’t hatch. The eggs are returned to their nests so the adult geese don’t lay replacement eggs. Some people may also do egg destruction if sterilization isn’t possible. Egg sterilization is usually preferred because it minimizes disturbing the birds.

There is ongoing controversy over whether egg sterilization and egg destruction are humane techniques among wildlife biologists, animal advocates, regulators, and the public.

The Environmental Benefits of Responsible Geese Control

How Having Too Many Geese Can Hurt the Environment

Most people hire goose control companies because geese are a nuisance species. But out-of-control goose populations can also hurt the environment.

Algae Growth

Geese poop…a LOT. Over time, all of these droppings add excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus into the soil. When these nutrients wash into ponds and drainage systems, it can lead to algae growth. This hurts water quality and can make life harder for fish and other waterfowl.

Erosion Issues

Large geese populations can also damage turf and shoreline vegetation. They eat all the grass and compact the soil. This makes it hard for grass and other plants to grow back. Once the grass and other plants are gone, rainwater washes the soil into nearby ponds and drainage systems.

How Professional Goose Control Restores Balance

Our goose control services restore balance. We keep your goose population in check so you won’t be stepping in goose poop all the time. Your turf and shorelines will have more time to recover, and the native plants will be able to reestablish themselves. Keeping geese in check can also open the door for smaller, less aggressive species to return.

FAQs About Border Collie Goose Control and Wildlife Safety

Do your dogs chase or attack other birds and animals?

No. Our border collies are trained to focus on the Canada geese only. They work under our handlers’ direction and won’t chase the ducks, songbirds, pets, or other wildlife on your property.

Does goose herding work long term?

Yes, with consistent visits. There’s no such thing as a one-time fix when it comes to goose control. We’ve found the best strategy is to apply consistent pressure and use multiple methods. For example, if our team of border collies only visited your property once, the geese would probably come back. But if we visit your property consistently and modify the habitat, the geese will learn your property isn’t safe.

Is border collie goose control effective near water?

Yes, our dogs are excellent swimmers. Geese usually use ponds and lakes to escape predators. When they realize they aren’t even safe in their pond, they usually leave to find a safer place to nest.

Contact Go Geese Go Today

Geese Management Services in Columbus Ohio

Goose control doesn’t have to involve hurting geese or other wildlife. Hunting and lethal management programs aren’t necessary. When you partner with Go Geese Go, our team of border collies will keep geese off your property without hurting them.

Contact us today schedule a consultation and learn more about our services. We’ll visit your property, introduce you to our team of border collies, and give you a free estimate.