How to Get Rid of Geese in Backyard Pools
Summer time is fun time. The backyard pool beckons you on hot days, with rafts being blown up and toys tossed in for the kids to dive for. What stops this fun playtime? Geese. Canada geese are naturally drawn to water and grassy areas, which is exactly why you see them at parks and golf courses—and unfortunately, in your backyard. Goose control is essential once these birds have discovered your outdoor summer haven. Installing professional deterrents is the most effective way to get rid of geese from your pool and yard. For more expert advice, check out our guides on goose control in the backyard and Canadian geese repellents that keep them away.
Canada Geese Facts
- One of the best-known birds in North America.
- Found in every contiguous U.S. state at one time of the year or another.
- Highly adaptable to many different habitats.
- A flock of only 50 geese can produce two and a half tons of droppings in a year.
- The oldest known wild Canada goose was over 30 years old.
- Goslings often remain with their parents for an entire year.
While geese can be interesting to watch from a distance, backyard geese are a significant nuisance. They contaminate grassy areas and pools alike, creating a health hazard. Goose feces can contain dangerous parasites such as Giardia, coliform, Cryptosporidium, and Campylobacter. Cryptosporidium is particularly serious, potentially causing watery diarrhea, severe dehydration, fever, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and stomach pain.
Effective Backyard Goose Control
Getting rid of nuisance geese from your pool area doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. By installing a few strategic goose control options, you can ensure your family enjoys their fun in the sun safely.
Scare Balloons
A simple yet effective tool is the scare balloon. Roughly the size of a beach ball, it features a predator-eye design printed on a shiny, reflective surface. When filled halfway with water, it can float on the surface of your pool. The design and constant movement of the balloon confuse and frighten geese, effectively driving them away from the water. These balloons can also be hung in trees, along the sides of your home, or on posts around the garden to deter a wide variety of pest birds.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Another powerful goose control device is the motion-activated sprinkler. These devices use an infrared sensor to detect birds up to 35 feet away, releasing an immediate, startling burst of water when triggered. Because geese usually avoid areas when children are running around and making noise, this sprinkler is the perfect "sentry" to keep the yard protected while you are away or during the quiet morning and evening hours.
Combining these bird control tactics provides continuous, multi-layered protection, keeping your pool area bird-free and disease-free all summer long.