A. I don’t often hear about Canada Geese being a problem in vegetable gardens, they are usually associated more with lawns and shorelines. However, there are a number of deterrents you can try. Generally, the more deterrents you use the greater your chances of success!
- Garden netting – may help prevent geese from reaching the vegetables
- Bird tape /flagging tape/streamers – shiny or bright materials attached to stakes that can move in the wind may help geese avoid your garden
- Balloons –helium balloons with large eyes printed on them can also work to scare off geese
- Scarecrows – large eagle decoys and 3-D coyotes have proven successful in some situations
- Flags – made from black plastic garbage bags and attached to a pole that’s at least 2.5 metres above the ground can be seen as a threat by Canada geese. Flags should measure 0.6 metres x 1 metre with 2 to 3 slits in the length of the flag to make flaps.
- Fence – you can use plastic netting, poultry netting, snow fencing or other material to keep geese out of your garden. Just remember to place the fencing material at both the adult and gosling height.
Remember that Canada Geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, which prohibits killing or capturing the birds or damaging, destroying, removing, or disturbing their nests, except as provided for under the Migratory Birds Regulations.
Good luck!