Some communities and homeowners' associations have passed regulations prohibiting the feeding of waterfowl in their jurisdictions. This prevents feeding by a few well-meaning individuals from nullifying the control efforts of the majority of the neighborhood. Artificial nesting structures should be removed to reduce production of more geese. Woven wire fencing, or planting closely spaced trees or shrubs and allowing shoreline vegetation to grow will also discourage geese from walking to nearby mowed areas. Although federal permits are not required to scare waterfowl, neighbors or members of a homeowners' association must agree that there is a problem and that harassment should be initiated.
Intensive harassment is often sufficient to solve typical problems.
Areas that are habitually used by geese will require more intense and persistent efforts than sites that are used sporadically. Geese that have been fed may not respond to harassment. The objective of harassment is to force birds from the problem area. Scaring them from a single yard or swimming beach will only relocate the problem. Harassment should be intense and persistent enough to disrupt established use patterns or the birds will likely return when harassment stops.