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After the first
treatment, the treated areas showed a 27% decrease in use. After a
second treatment a week later, the treated area showed an 83% reduction
in use. Additional treatments were successful in reducing
the permanent goose population from around 3000 geese to about 150.
After four years with no additional treatment, the population had
not returned to a number that would require re-treatment.
During the tests it was found that watering the
grass had little effect on the repellency of the product, however
mowing had a significant impact. It is
therefore suggested that treatment be repeated after each mowing
until the geese have left.
Bird Shield is commonly used for reducing bird
use of soccer fields, picnic areas, golf courses and other areas
used by the public.
Subsequent experience has shown that the
product works well when sprayed with a hose-end applicator or a
hand pump sprayer, however it is very difficult to get enough volume
from a hand pump sprayer to penetrate to the bottom of the grass
stalk, which is what the geese eat. We have also found that it is
often not necessary to treat the entire grassy area, as the geese
will usually stay near water, on open areas that allow them a running
start when frightened, and occasionally in damp swales where the
grass is moist. Treating these spots, and a barrier of about 100
feet around water will usually be successful in reducing or eliminating
goose usage.
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