Getting rid of Canada geese
Call (804) 729-0046 or toll-free (888) 824-7383
Humane goose control for homes, businesses, and public properties
Canada geese have become one of the most common nuisance bird problems across Virginia. As a result, many properties deal with repeated droppings, damaged turf, and aggressive behavior during nesting season.
Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services provides Canada goose control and damage-management programs in Virginia designed to reduce goose activity and protect your site long-term.
Common Canada goose problems we solve
Canada geese issues often show up as:
- Heavy goose droppings on lawns, walkways, docks, and patios
- Slip-and-fall hazards on sidewalks, entrances, and athletic fields
- Turf damage from overgrazing and repeated loafing
- Aggressive geese protecting nests or goslings
- Water quality concerns near ponds and lakefront properties
- Crop depredation in agricultural areas
These problems frequently affect:
- Homes and HOAs
- Schools and sports complexes
- Golf courses
- Corporate campuses and industrial sites
- Parks and public spaces
- Airports and aviation-adjacent properties
- Lakefront residential and commercial properties
Why goose problems get worse over time
If geese feel safe and find easy food and open grass near water, they often return. Therefore, a “one-time fix” rarely holds. The best results usually come from an integrated goose management plan that combines deterrence, habitat changes, and, when allowed, permitted population management steps.
How to get rid of Canada geese in Virginia
Many people call us asking, “How do I get rid of geese?” The most effective plan depends on your site and goals. However, successful programs often include a mix of the strategies below.
Integrated goose management options
Stop food handouts
- Do not feed geese. Even small handouts can train flocks to stay.
Habitat modification
- Reduce “perfect goose lawns” near water when possible.
- Add barriers or deterrent landscaping where appropriate.
Harassment and hazing
- Structured harassment can help move geese off a property.
- Some approaches work better when started early and applied consistently.
Goose fencing and barriers
- Low fencing and targeted barriers can reduce walking access from water to turf.
Grid lines for ponds
- Grid systems can discourage landing and loafing on certain water features.
Goose repellents (where appropriate)
- Licensed repellent application may help reduce grazing and loafing pressure.
- Repellents work best as part of a broader program.
Nest and egg management (permit-driven)
- In some situations, egg addling/oiling and nest-related actions may be options.
- These activities typically require compliance and proper authorization.
Important: Canada geese are protected
Canada geese are protected under federal and state rules. Because of that, actions involving nests, eggs, capture, relocation, or lethal control can require permits and strict compliance.
We help property owners and managers understand practical goose-control options and, when applicable, navigate the permit process. (This is not legal advice, but we’ll help you work through the correct channels.)
Canada goose identification
Canada geese are easy to recognize:
- Large body (often 10–12 lbs)
- Black head and neck with a white cheek patch
- Brown back with lighter underside
- Males and females look similar
They can live for many years in the wild, which is one reason long-term prevention matters.
Resident vs. migratory geese in Virginia
In Virginia, you may see both:
- Resident geese, which often nest locally and remain nearby year-round
- Migratory geese, which move through seasonally
In other words, two flocks can look the same but behave differently. That behavior difference affects the best control plan.
Our Canada goose control services in Virginia
We provide practical, humane solutions tailored to your property, including:
- Site assessment and goose activity mapping
- Harassment/hazing program guidance and implementation
- Goose fencing and barrier installation
- Repellent program planning (and application where permitted/appropriate)
- Grid line installation for ponds (when appropriate)
- Egg addling support and permit guidance (when applicable)
- Long-term goose management consulting for HOAs, schools, golf courses, and commercial sites
For broader bird-related structural problems, see Bird Removal in Virginia.
Service areas: Statewide
We provide goose control services across the Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Tidewater / Hampton Roads, and the Shenandoah Valley / Southwest Virginia regions.
For the full list of the cities, counties and towns where we provide service, visit:
If you don’t see your city listed, contact us—we often serve nearby areas and can confirm availability quickly.
Schedule goose control help
If geese are taking over your lawn, pond, athletic field, or commercial property, call (804) 729-0046 or toll-free (888) 824-7383.
Please complete our simple contact form below: