TURF & ORNAMENTALS BULLETIN

EFFECTIVE BIRD CONTROL FOR LAWNS, PARKS, PLAYING FIELDS,
& GOLF COURSES

Bird Shield® has been tested and found effective in reducing the use of turf (grass) by Canada geese. Original testing was done in a public park where geese had become so numerous that officials were considering closing the park for health reasons. Spraying was done with a motorized boom sprayer using one gallon of Bird Shield® per acre, in 60 gallons of water.

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.

EFFECTIVE BIRD CONTROL FOR ORNAMENTALS

Bird Shield® has been tested and found effective in reducing bird use of roosting trees and ornamentals. Mix Bird Shield in the ratio of one part Bird Shield concentrate to 30 parts water. Use a sprayer with enough pressure to get the mix into the highest part of the tree or bush. Depending upon the tree, this can be a hose end applicator, a hand pump sprayer, or a power sprayer. Best results were obtained by spraying in the early morning or late afternoon when the foliage was dry. The product can also be sprayed in the early evening when the birds start to roost in the tree. While we have seen no indication that Bird Shield is harmful to birds, birds apparently dislike getting it on their feathers, and will soon learn to avoid an area sprayed with it.

Expect to re-treat until the birds quit using the area. Once a week is usually enough to train the birds to roost elsewhere in a short period of time, though other birds may begin using the area later, requiring further treatment.