How a Mild Winter Affects Canada Geese
Are geese hanging out at your site longer than normal? Our weather patterns appear to be changing, and geese habits are changing along with it. For instance, we typically do not see our first goose nest until mid-March, however last year we found goslings in Columbus, Ohio in February. It’s not unusual to have mild spells during the winter, but the more it occurs and the warmer temperatures get, the more Canada geese will adapt. And the more troublesome it becomes for property owners trying to protect their sites from damages caused by Canada geese.
Mild weather keeps the water flowing and the grass accessible, which keeps the food sources available to the local wildlife. The occasional snowfall will not deter geese, as they will dig down through the snow to get to the dorment grass in the mild winters. This climate change is changing the migratory patterns of geese with many opting to stay in the north during winter.
Resident geese typically stay in our area through the winter, but if the water doesn’t freeze, there is no reason for the migratory geese to leave as they normally do each fall. A dependable year-round supply of food and water will keep the geese numbers high this winter.
What can you do to get rid of geese on your property in the winter?
- First, remove all pond aeration systems that prevent the water from freezing. The frozen water means you have cut off the water supply to the geese.
- Secondly, consider putting down a chemical repellent like Flight Control before the first snow fall. Since the grass is not cut regularly, the repellent will remain effective throughout the winter and remove this food source as well from the geese.
Lastly, continue to harrass the geese that migrate or reside on your property. Do not let them get too comfortable. Continual harassment is better than the occasional chase. The geese must be trained that there is a predator on site, and our border collies are the best solution to getting rid of the geese.
At Ohio Geese Control we have a multi-prong approach to managing geese populations. It is not one tactic that works alone, but a combination of tactics that are customized to your needs. These tactics are based on the time of year, how you use your property and the unique features of your site.
Contact Ohio Geese Control Today
Our Migratory Bird Specialists and Dog Handlers develop programs to keep the geese off of your property. We service clients in Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo. With a track record of over 20 years of success and client satisfaction, we know we can get rid of the geese on your site every day of the year. Contact us at 877-914-3373 for a customize quote.
An Interview with Ohio Geese Control
Ohio Geese Control is excited to spread the word on how to manage geese and keep the public safe during nesting season. Thank you to Megan Hartnett, of WTOL […]
Read More
Canada Geese Managment Plan
It’s the end of summer, so geese should be migrating, right? But geese have become a year-round problem, with many Canada geese staying through the winter months. On top […]
Read More
Understanding Migratory vs Residential Canada Geese
Canada geese seem to be everywhere these days. If you have a manicured lawn and a water feature on your property then you have a good chance that you […]
Read More
Ohio Geese Control Dog Summer Games
Each summer our co-workers have the opportunity to show off their skills with our Annual Summer Picnic and Dog Games. It’s not only fun for the handlers and dogs, […]
Read More
Deterring Geese from Taking Over Your Property
Ohio Geese Control was interviewed by Joe at WKYC’s Good Company, and what a great time Jeff and Joe had talking about geese and the humane and effective tactics […]
Read More
The Feathers of Flightless Geese
Are you seeing stray geese feathers everywhere? Canada geese lose their flight feathers at the same time to rejuvenate them and get ready for fall migration. Unlike song birds […]
Read More
How to Humanely Get Rid of Geese: Proven Techniques from Skilled Handlers
When Canada geese overstay their welcome in parks, business grounds, golf courses or residential areas, the results can be more than just a nuisance. There can be health hazards, […]
Read More
The Best Coyote Decoy… a Border Collie
We constantly get asked about those fake coyotes, and if the decoy actually works to get rid of geese. And our answer is yes and no. The purpose of the […]
Read More
Wings in Transition: Why Geese Are on the Move (and What You Can Do About It)
As summer reaches its peak, many of us are enjoying warm days, blooming landscapes, and time outdoors. But while we go about our routines, something fascinating—and potentially disruptive—is happening […]
Read More
Are Flightless Geese a Problem this Summer?
This summer you will notice a lot of geese feathers, and flightless geese on your property. This time of year is a critical period in the life cycle of […]
Read More
How do you get rid of Canada geese?
Ohio Geese Control gets rid of Canada geese with geese deterrents. Successful and cost-effective management of Canada goose activities often depends on identifying the site characteristics most attractive to […]
Read More
Diseases that Canada Geese Carry
The flu hit our family hard this season, and it sparked a conversation in our household about what diseases Canada geese carry and if it is a health risk […]
Read More
Do Swans Help Get Rid of Geese?
If a picture were to tell a thousand words, then the answer is obviously no. Many properties place one or two swans in their lake in hopes that it […]
Read More
The Greatest Act of Kindness and the Simplest Goose Deterrent
Feeding geese will only attract more geese, and more droppings. But it is hard to argue when people enjoy feeding birds, especially the Canada goose. Many organizations like the Humane […]
Read More
Does a warm winter keep geese here longer?
Geese will go (or stay) wherever there is access to food and water. In winter weather they can forage through the snow to access the grass for food. But […]
Read More