The Farms Golf Club in Dyersburg, TN plays along several lakes. And where there are lakes, there are Canada geese, which often create major headaches for golf course managers. One Farms manager recently faced the wrath of local residents when he resorted to killing geese that invaded the golf course and adjoining residential area. Grounds crew even resorted to running the geese over with golf carts, which left several of the large birds crippled. The geese were damaging the newly renovated course to the tune of thousands of dollars. Besides angering the local residents, the manger may face big fines for each goose he shot, since killing Canada Geese is a federal offense. On top of that, the manager faces local charges for firing weapons inside city limits.
Having learned his lesson, the golf course manager agreed to consider more humane solutions to the goose problem. The professional bird control experts at Bird-B-Gone have a few suggestions:
Migrate Goose Repellent to Quell Their Taste for Turf
Ideal for large grassy areas like golf courses and industrial parks, Bird-B-Gone’s Migrate Goose Repellent is a non-toxic liquid that’s easily applied using a standard sprayer. The active ingredient—Methyl Anthranilate (MA)—irritates a goose’s trigeminal nerves and mucous membranes. It won't harm birds, people or pets. It’s basically a non-lethal grape extract regulated by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) under FIFRA (the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act). You don’t even have to cover the entire course with Migrate, just concentrate on the areas most frequented by geese. Rain or sprinklers will not wash it off and any run-off will not contaminate nearby bodies of water. Economical to use, one gallon treats 16,000 sq. ft. After one taste, invading geese will quickly get the message that your turf tastes terrible and move on.
Bird Foggers to Drive Stubborn Birds Out
If flocks of pest birds (geese) must be removed quickly (without waiting for them to sample the taste of your turf), you have what’s known in goose control lingo as a “high bird pressure” area. In this case, you’ll need a more immediate solution—like Bird-B-Gone’s Bird Fogger. This chemical bird repellent (applied with a fogger) contains the same food-grade methyl anthranilate mentioned above. Bird foggers have been successfully used to repel gulls, mallards, Canada geese, pigeons, starlings, blackbirds and cowbirds. For best results, fogging agents should be used in the early morning hours or late evening when birds are concentrated in a single area.
There’s no doubt that geese can easily become bird pests if they are not properly controlled. The key, of course, is to prepare for their arrival with humane and effective goose repellents. “An ounce of prevention” as they say.
