Prepare for the Canada Goose Migration

The annual migration of birds between their breeding and wintering grounds is one of the wonders of the world. Routinely, about 30 species of geese migrate each year, following broad and well-defined flyways. The Canada goose, like most geese, is naturally migratory, with its wintering range primarily covering the United States. You know they are migrating when you hear their calls overhead as large groups fly in their signature V-shape formation, signaling the transition between seasons. However, in some areas—from California to the Great Lakes—some populations have become non-migratory due to sufficient year-round food sources and a lack of natural predators. For more information on managing these patterns, read our guides on how to get ready for when the geese are coming and making peace with Canadian geese.

Canada geese are much more common in North America than they used to be. The proliferation of golf courses, manicured lawns, and public parks provides these birds with a reliable, year-round habitat. Deterrents are necessary to keep geese from damaging these areas, as they forage on turf and foul the lawns with their droppings. A single goose will eat 2–3 pounds of grass and deposit about 1–2 pounds of droppings each day. These droppings can be infected with various diseases and parasites. Furthermore, when large gaggles of geese congregate near airports, they pose a significant aviation hazard; collisions with aircraft can be life-changing for both the birds and passengers.

Understanding Legal Protections

Goose deterrents are essential. Whether you are dealing with resident or migratory populations, now is the ideal time to implement a bird control strategy. Canada geese are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which makes it unlawful to injure or harm a goose, or to move or damage its nests and eggs. This is why prioritizing deterrents *before* they start nesting is critical. Geese prefer to nest on the ground, usually in locations where they have a clear view of their surroundings and are in close proximity to water.

How to Prepare

Preparation simply means the implementation of effective, humane goose control. This does not involve poisons, pellet guns, or any lethal means, all of which are ineffective and often illegal. Instead, use safe, professional-grade products.

Liquid Goose Repellent

Migrate Goose Repellent is a liquid substance that can be sprayed across golf courses, parks, landscaping, shorelines, and other grassy areas. The active ingredient is a non-toxic methyl anthranilate—essentially a concentrated grape extract—which is registered with the EPA. This extract deters geese by safely irritating their trigeminal nerves and mucous membranes, discouraging them from making themselves comfortable on your property. It is highly cost-effective, with one gallon treating 16,000 square feet, and it is resistant to being washed away by rain or irrigation.

Sound Deterrents

The Bird Chase Super Sonic is another powerful tool to get rid of geese. This sound deterrent broadcasts recorded distress and predator calls to frighten birds away from the area. It is ideal for large, open spaces and operates between 65–105 decibels. Do not be fooled by other products on the market advertising "ultrasonic" sounds; birds hear at about the same level as humans, meaning ultrasonic products are typically ineffective against geese.