This guide describes how growers can reduce or eliminate these problems. A combination of the methods, customized for a grower's particular situation, will provide the best results. Flightless geese may be goslings which are too young to fly, or molting adults. Newly hatched goslings eat primarily aquatic insects. However, after 3 weeks, goslings become grazers and can move into adjoining crop fields.
Action taken before goose damage begins is the most effective.
Scout wetlands and lakes adjacent to crop fields for goose broods in late April and May to identify potential problems. Bird Scare Tape Bird scare tape or bird flash tape is a short-term or emergency measure to discourage geese from walking into and grazing on crops. Bird scare tape is most effective when goose numbers are low and where geese have alternative feeding areas available. Bird scare tape is a thin shiny mylar ribbon. It is silver on one side, usually red on the other.