Keeping Canada Geese from Taking Over Your Pond

Ponds add beauty, recreation, and ecological balance to communities, golf courses, and private properties, but Canada geese can quickly turn them into a source of frustration. Large flocks damage shorelines, reduce water quality, and create ongoing maintenance challenges. A proactive, year-round management plan is essential to keep your pond healthy, attractive, and functional. 

The Problems Caused by Canada Geese 

Even a small number of geese can become problematic when populations grow: 

• Excessive droppings: Each goose produces over a pound of waste per day. Large flocks introduce significant nitrogen and phosphorus into the water, fueling algae blooms and reducing oxygen levels. 
• Water pollution and odors: Goose droppings carry bacteria such as E. coli, creating health risks for people and pets. Combined with nutrient overload, waste can produce strong, unpleasant odors. 
• Turf and landscaping damage: Grazing and trampling along pond edges destroy grass and plants, leaving soil exposed and prone to erosion. 
• Shoreline degradation: Frequent goose activity accelerates bank erosion, impacting overall pond health and stability. 

Left unmanaged, geese can turn a scenic pond into a costly, ongoing problem. 

Proven Management Strategies

1.    Habitat Modification

• Shoreline vegetation: Plant dense native shrubs, tall grasses, and wetland species to make pond edges less attractive while preventing erosion. 
• Limit open lawns near water: Reducing large grassy areas along the shoreline decreases grazing and loafing spots. 

2.   Deterrent Solutions

• Predator decoys: Life-like coyote or fox decoys create the appearance of danger, discouraging geese from settling. 
• Solar-powered lights: Systems such as Away With Geese® lights disrupt nocturnal roosting. 
• Motion-activated sprinklers and sound devices: Unpredictable movement and noise make ponds less inviting for waterfowl. 

Why Choose Savin Lake Services? 
At Savin Lake Services, we deliver more than deterrents. We provide complete, science-backed pond management solutions. Our team works with HOAs, municipalities, golf courses, and private property owners to maintain clean, functional, and visually appealing waterbodies. 

Our experts combine: 

• Shoreline restoration and habitat management 
• Professional goose deterrent solutions 
• Water quality monitoring and pond maintenance 
• Long-term management plans for sustained results 

Partnering with Savin ensures your pond remains protected from wildlife problems while staying attractive, functional, and ecologically balanced. You are not just addressing today’s goose issue. You are safeguarding your pond for the long term. 

Takeaway: 
Canada geese can compromise ponds by damaging shorelines, reducing water quality, and increasing maintenance costs. A proactive, year-round approach with Savin Lake Services, combining habitat management, deterrents, and expert oversight, keeps your pond healthy, balanced, and enjoyable. 

 
About Savin Lake Services, A Jones Lake Management Partner
Savin Lake Services is a leading provider of lake and pond management services, delivering expert solutions in aquatic plant management, aeration, hydraulic dredging, mechanical harvesting, water quality monitoring, fisheries management, and shoreline stabilization. As a Jones Lake Management Partner, our team is dedicated to protecting and enhancing waterbodies for HOAs, municipalities, golf courses, and private lake owners. With a focus on sustainability and science-based strategies, Savin Lake Services ensures that lakes and ponds remain healthy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing year-round.