Master Gardener Decision Support Guide

Canadian Geese

A physical barrier of dense, low-growing (at least three-feet high) shrubs will limit Canadian Geese. The birds are intimidated by the height and breadth of the plants and their potential for offering cover to predators. The most natural deterrent is long grass grown around ponds; geese won't venture forth in it for fear of lurking predators. A border of periwinkle, Japanese pachysandra, and English ivy at the edge of the lawn may also be effective, because geese tend to avoid these particular groundcovers. Frigtening devices can be effective. Flags, mylar tape, ballons, scarecrows, and noise devices can scare geese. Vary the device used and be persistant. Border collies have an affinity for chasing and limiting geese to the water. A repellent call ReJexit is effective on Canadian Geese. Shaking the eggs can keep them from hatching and will limit the population growth. Canadian geese are protected by federal law and a permit is required for shaking the eggs or destroying the nest.

Additional Information

The following document links to a file provided by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service, Great Plains Agricultural Council, and the USDA Department of Agriculture. All files are provided in Adobe Acrobat format (.pdf) and require Adobe's Acrobat Reader to view and print.
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