Manage Your Rooftop Geese this Nesting Season
Mar 21, 2023
Goose nesting season is upon us, which means flat, elevated surfaces are currently prime real estate for birds looking to lay, incubate and hatch their eggs.
The bird species displays a preference for nesting on rooftops, where they have a clear vantage point and can more easily avoid predators. Nests can be found anywhere from the corner of a rooftop to awnings, and elevator shafts to underneath or inside of HVAC units.
Property managers should plan ahead and monitor for potential nesting birds now: as the season wears on, nesting geese become increasingly territorial and aggressive. And, despite the hazard they can pose to properties and humans, removing nesting birds and their eggs requires more than a simple eviction notice.
Here is what to look for and how to respond if feathered tenants make a temporary home on your roof.
Searching for & Tracking Nesting Geese on Rooftops
Geese follow predictable nesting patterns each year, so there are several telltale signs they may be eyeing your roof.
Geese begin nesting season by staking out their territory. If you spot a pair of geese hanging around your property in February and March, your roof may be at risk. That risk is heightened if geese have nested on your rooftop in the past: geese, especially older ones, are likely to return to a spot where they nested in previous years.
If you notice a pair of loitering geese getting into altercations with other geese on your property, it is a clear indication that the aggressors are serious about nesting nearby.
If, after some time, you only see one of the pair of geese your property, it is likely that a nest has been established. Chances are, the remaining goose is the male standing guard and at the ready to defend his mate and unhatched goslings.
If the male becomes aggressive towards humans, it is further evidence that a nest has been established. Attacks are common when the female is sitting on the nest, even if she and her eggs are safely hidden on the roof. Simply being in the general vicinity of a nest is enough to provoke a goose attack.
If action is not taken to remove geese and their eggs before they hatch, the parents are likely to become even more aggressive. Once the goslings arrive, parents exhibit extremely defensive behavior until the babies can fly.
Contact an Expert to Evict Rooftop Nesting Geese
If you notice geese staking out or marking territory near your property, it is important to act quickly. Deterrents have proven to be effective, but are not the only solution to nesting, as birds are great at adapting to change.
For the best outcome, contact an expert with deep knowledge of bird biology and behavior to devise a plan. Goose removal and egg depredation requires permitting and planning, so it is advisable to call in expert help as soon as you suspect birds are attempting to nest on your property. Once eggs hatch, removal options are limited.
The Wild Goose Chase Indy team has extensive experience managing problem geese. Our team of professionals has evicted scores of nesting birds from rooftops and has expert-level knowledge of the multi-agency permitting requirements for deprecating eggs and relocating birds.
If you’ve noticed an increase in loitering geese on your property, don’t wait. Connect with our team today to learn about your options.
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