Pest Management Professional, December 2013
fact vs fiction CANADA GOOSE Kate Jeff McGovern t Contributors Fiction Canada geese take turns leading the flock during migration Fact The notion geese take turns sharing the responsibilities of migration is a myth invented by motivational speakers A flock of Canada geese keeps the same leader or occasionally pair leaders throughout the trip Its also false that a couple will fall out of formation to wait with a fallen comrade until he dies Fiction Canada geese are public nuisances and can be shot year round Fact Canada geese are the No 1 avian threat to aircraft and airport safety Theyre voracious consumers of many agricultural crops especially grains Each goose leaves behind an average of 15 lbs of feces per day threatening public health About 67 percent of them are nonmigratory or residential A protected species theyre regulated by license and hunting season requirements Lethal removal permits for nuisance birds are issued only by the U S Department of Agricultures Wildlife Services and only with proof all nonlethal avenues have been exhausted So how do you discourage nuisance geese Change the landscape and be aware of potential nesting sites Balcony planting boxes are attractive goose nesting boxes Use goose repellent products These nontoxic irritants discourage visits to lawns and plantings Use visual and audible scare tactics These have to be changed and relocated often Geese are smart and soon learn what seemed like a threat at first isnt Install fencing and netting This is best handled by a professional company that makes avian exclusion their business As in all areas of wildlife management its imperative to check with the state and local authorities to be sure whats legal PMP You can reach the McGoverns at jeffreymcgovern@ mindspring com READY FOR A CHANGE IN SCENERY If youre considering selling your business remember that you have choices when you sell to Rollins One of those choices includes the freedom to walk away with cash at close Whether youre planning to retire take an extended vacation or save for a rainy day know that our seller friendly process is ideal for an owner who needs options YOU HAVE A CHOICE CHOOSE ROLLINS Matt Whiting 404 888 2757 mwhiting@ rollins com All inquiries are kept strictly confidential 42 December 2013 Pest Management Professional www mypmp net
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