Deer and Geese Control Strategies for Community Associations in NJ

Community associations in New Jersey often face challenges when it comes to dealing with nuisance wildlife, particularly deer and geese. These nuisance wildlife can cause damage to properties and pose safety risks to residents. Here are some effective strategies for controlling deer and geese populations, which will in turn help Community Associations maintain a safe environment for all residents.

Deer Control Strategies:

1. Fencing: Installing tall and sturdy fences around the community can help deter deer from entering and causing damage. Fences should be at least 8 feet tall to prevent deer from jumping over them. It is important to ensure that the fence is properly maintained and regularly inspected for any damages or gaps.
2. Landscaping Modifications: Deer are attracted to certain plants and shrubs, so it is essential to choose deer-resistant vegetation for the community's landscaping. Plants such as lavender, yarrow, and daffodils are known to repel deer. Additionally, using fencing or shrubs to protect vulnerable plants can help minimize damage.
3. Repellents: There are various commercially available deer repellents that can be applied to plants and shrubs to discourage deer from feeding on them. These repellents often contain strong scents or tastes that are unpleasant to deer. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when using these products.
4. Deer Population Management: In some cases, when deer populations become too large and pose a significant threat to the community, it may be necessary to implement deer population management strategies. This can involve working with professionals, like Deer Solutions (tell them Cowleys sent ya), to organize controlled hunts or sterilization programs to help control the deer population within the community.

Geese Control Strategies:

1. Habitat Modification: Geese are attracted to bodies of water, so modifying the community's landscape to discourage geese from nesting and feeding can be effective. This can include installing barriers or using landscaping techniques that make the area less desirable for geese, such as adding dense vegetation or using tall grasses near water bodies.
2. Egg Oiling & Addling: Geese reproduce rapidly, so implementing egg management strategies can help control their population. This involves locating and treating nests to prevent eggs from hatching. It is crucial to consult with Little Rascals by Cowleys or local authorities before taking any action regarding geese eggs, as geese and their eggs are protected under the Migratory Bird Act and if ignored, hefty fines can occur.
3. Education and Awareness: Educating residents about the negative impacts of feeding geese and the importance of not encouraging their presence can contribute to long-term geese control. Promoting responsible behavior and discouraging the feeding of geese will help minimize their presence in the community.
4. Physical Bird Deterrents: Working with Little Rascals by Cowleys, we can install several physical Bird Deterrents to safely and effectively prevent the geese from harboring around your community.
   • AVIX Autonomic is a fully automated laser bird repellent that keeps birds away 24/7. Birds perceive the moving laser light as a physical threat and flee immediately when the beam passes by. This solution is proven to reduce bird nuisance by more than 70%.
   • Another effective deterrent is Bird Grid Wire. The stainless steel grid wire is a deterrent that interferes with the geese's flight pattern and makes it uncomfortable for them to roost.  We also attach a Strobe Bird Deterrent Light that works at night and is solar powered. The geese think the blinking light is a predator stalking them, making them feel uncomfortable and assist in moving them off the pond.
   • Another effective deterrent is the utilization of liquid goose deterrents. Liquid Goose Deterrents use the sense of taste to get rid of the geese. They are made using methyl anthranilate, a grape extract that is sprayed on the lawn to give it a flavor that the geese do not like. This substance irritates the goose’s trigeminal nerves and mucous membranes and causes them to leave the area searching for a better grazing site.

By implementing these strategies, community associations in New Jersey can effectively manage deer and geese populations, reduce property damage, and ensure the safety of residents. With proactive measures and a well-informed community, wildlife-human conflicts can be minimized, creating a more peaceful and enjoyable living environment for all.