Waterfowl (especially geese and duck) Control on Resident Properties
The natural features of the SLA property and lakes do attract many wild animals, especially waterfowl.
The downside is that waterfowl leave droppings.
Per the Sturbridge Lakes Association Resident Handbook, the Association does not own any property at the edge of the
lakes except where designated as common areas. There is no “buffer zone” around the lakes owned by the Association.
Individual property owners own the property up to the edge of the lakes.
Unfortunately, the SLA only engages a goose control company for egg addling and containment on common areas only.
Waterfowl deterrent and clean up on private property is the resident’s responsibility.
There are many deterrents available to homeowners.
Do Not Feed Geese
Cessation of feeding is the most important first step in resolving a damage problem.
Habitat Management
- Vegetation: Geese (and ducks) are grazing animals that prefer open spaces adjacent to water bodies with
unvegetated shorelines. Grass and areas without vegetation by the water allows waterfowl easy access to land where
they are encouraged to rest, become comfortable, stay
SLA recommends a natural buffer of indigenous plants, where land abuts water, as a critical component in deterring
geese and other waterfowl from properties near water
- Mylar Tape: Staple ½” width mylar tape (reflective tape, silver on one side and red on the other) to wooden stakes
around the boundary of the protected area. Tape should be twisted and somewhat slack to permit movement.
Geese Harassment
- Trained dogs: Used to scare geese away, this service is provided by a handler/dog team or company. Geese harassed
by dogs in one area will just move to another area. The use of dogs usually requires an ongoing program.
- Lights: Used at night (sunset through dawn), lights deter geese from staying in an area. It is very disruptive to their
sleep, causing them to move after just a few nights
- Noisemakers: Used during the day/evening, banging on pots or loud clapping near the geese will scare them off.
Repeat when geese are present. Do not use loud noises between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Discontinue use of harassment techniques after geese have left.
Predator decoys
Predator decoys: Dog silhouettes or coyote replicas may elicit an immediate response, geese will soon habituate to them
and re-inhabit the area. Moving the devices every few days may slightly extend their effectiveness.
Repellents
One nonhazardous chemical formulation is registered with the U.S. EPA as Canada goose taste repellents:
- Methyl anthranilate (MA): This non-toxic taste aversion agent renders food (grass) is unpalatable to geese. MA is a
grape flavor food additive approved by the FDA for human consumption, is generally recognized as safe, and poses no
harm to people or pets (FDA). Check for weather appropriate mowing, watering, and application scheduling.
Altering Nests and Eggs, Capturing and Relocating Birds, etc.
Canada geese are still considered migratory game birds that are afforded Federal and State protection. A permit is
required to conduct any of these activities. Egg addling treatment and/or waterfowl removal is expensive and used by
the SLA on common areas only when needed.
Sources
New Jersey Department of Agriculture
Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Sturbridge Lakes Association Resident Handbook
