Geese Be Gone

I have geese - too many in fact. A beautiful property alongside a beautiful park, with several water features, and now tons of mess underfoot.
I know, i know, i shouldn't be surprised that i have geese, but the only way that seems to work to get rid of them is to string grid our pond, which leaves it looking less than awesome.
i'm looking for assistance in the form of some other options/ideas.
please help!

I know of a property who had a similar problem up here. They bought two swans. The swans took care of the geese, but then flew to another property across the street.

If you can make sure they won't go anywhere, you could try swans. Otherwise, it's really expensive to have them just leave.

so is it morally wrong to want to clip the wings of two beautiful birds so that i might rid a property of more beautiful birds? and where would i find such, i wonder? i feel as though i am attempting something mildly illicit.

Swans do not work! Save your money!!!

Thanks for the info, Jessica!

They are very expensive... and pretty mean. Birds are mean though. It's like having feathery dobermans floating in your pond. (I got chased by them as a kid though, so I might be a little jaded.)

As to them working, I've seen it work before, but there HAS to be a better, cheaper and less squaky option.

I heard rope works. According to bird expert studies if you string a rope close to their nesting area it makes them feel unsafe and they find another spot to nest in. If you can string it across your pond (don't know how big it is) but they know by instinct that their neck area is delicate and try to avoid things that can possibly hurt their necks.

There you go, cheap solution (if not an experiment) that does not involve clipping off the wings of swans

This is actually the option we went with. The plus sides include the cost, and non-maiming of animals. The down-side? My pond looks less than awesome with a grid pattern. Ugh! Wish there was a better third option. :S

Hey Tara,
I tried a lot of things that didn't work. One thing that did and was inexpensive was Grape Koolaid---with out suger. I know---it sounds like I have lost a marble or two:silly: , it really works!! Just sprinkle it on the ground where you don't want the geese. They don't like the taste. Big draw back is you have to do this for a while and after every rain.

The Orkin Man has a Product that will make them stay away.
It is used as a spray or fog and it smells like grape juice
to humans but ducks and geese don't think so. Let me know if
I can help !

Tara, Keep in mind the health hazards of the fecal matter the geese
drop, Once it hits the dirt and dries it becomes Histoplasmosis and becomes airborne when the wind blows. Send me your email address, I have some information regarding Histoplasmosis I will share. This is a very serious matter.

I'll take whatever info you can give me, David... [email protected]

There are a number of products that can be applied to the grass by landscappers and pest control companies. Flight Control Plus, Goose-B-Gone ReJex, Goose Chase, etc. Due your research, some of the products contain a possible carcinogen. The product may also be harmful by inhalation and through skin contact.

You can also do a 'round-up' before the babies have their full flight feathers. Contact the DNR in your area. They can provide the cages, you would supply the labor to round up the geese.

There is no easy solution---other than having them for dinner!

Gerry - THanks for all the great info... (aside from the dinner ideas :laugh: )... will definitely look into the options!