Managing avian populations, particularly geese, near airports and other sensitive areas is crucial for safety and operational efficiency. Methods for deterring these birds often involve specially formulated products designed to discourage their presence without causing harm. These deterrents may utilize taste aversion, creating an unpleasant experience for the geese, or olfactory repellents, which emit odors geese find undesirable. For instance, some products mimic the scent of natural predators, while others leverage the geese’s aversion to certain grape extracts.
Bird strikes pose significant risks to aircraft, and large flocks can disrupt operations on runways and surrounding grasslands. Effective avian management strategies, therefore, contribute significantly to both safety and cost savings. Historically, methods ranged from noise cannons and pyrotechnics to trained dogs, but these often presented their own sets of challenges, including noise pollution and limited effectiveness. The development of targeted, non-lethal repellents offers a more humane and environmentally responsible approach to mitigating these risks.