Are Coyote Decoys and Other Visual Deterrents Effective for Repelling Geese?

Coyote decoys and other visual deterrents are a common but ineffective method for keeping geese away. These decoys attempt to trick geese into believing a predator is nearby, while other visual deterrents—such as balloons, flags, scarecrows, pinwheels, and flash tape—rely on movement to create a disturbance. However, geese quickly adapt to these tactics, rendering them ineffective for long-term control.

Despite the benefit of their low initial cost, visual deterrents require constant repositioning and ultimately fail to deter geese. Coyote cutouts may work briefly, but geese quickly recognize them as harmless. Similarly, the movement and noise from tape, balloons, and other deterrents become part of the geese’s environment, losing any scare factor. These methods are especially ineffective against nesting geese.