Importance of Geese Deterrence from Industrial Rooftops

As Canada geese return to the Midwest this month, many will be attracted to settle on your property’s rooftop. Rooftops on light industrial warehouses/ logistics properties provide geese with the perfect spot for large flocks to congregate and be protected from ground-based natural predators such as coyotes and foxes. However, the presence of geese on industrial rooftops can cause damage in a multitude of ways. 

Types of Damage Geese Can Cause to Rooftops

With one Canada goose producing 1-2 pounds of feces per day, flocks of geese can produce large quantities of waste in a very short period of time. As geese tend to flock together in large numbers, they can cause significant damage to the structure, assets, and the aesthetics of a building:

1. Blockages in Drains and Gutters: When geese take up residency on a roof, they leave food scraps, feathers, and debris behind. These remnants, alongside droppings, can clog the drainage systems on rooftops, including gutters and downspouts. A blocked drainage system can result in water pooling on the roof, increasing the risk of leaks and potentially causing the roof to sag or collapse in extreme cases.

1. Immediate Damage to Roofing Membranes: Given their size and speed, geese need long runways to take off and land; during these moments, they rely on their clawed, webbed feet to accelerate and decelerate. Depending upon the thickness of the roof membrane, their claws can easily puncture the membrane during take off or landing, which can result in leaks and water damage. 

1. Long-term Damage to Roofing Membranes: The acidic nature of goose- droppings can erode roofing materials such as shingles, membranes, and even metal. Over time, this corrosion can lead to leaks and water damage and even weaken the structural integrity of the roof.

1. Damage to HVAC systems: Geese feathers, droppings, and other debris can obstruct rooftop HVAC systems, which can cause the systems to malfunction or break down entirely. Goose debris can get sucked into air intake vents and reduce the efficiency of HVAC systems, potentially leading to expensive repairs or, in extreme cases, full replacement.

1. Health and Safety Risks: Geese droppings can harbor bacteria, parasites and viruses. When droppings dry, pathogens can become airborne and potentially lead to respiratory issues for contractors in the vicinity. For certain businesses, especially those in the food industry, the presence of geese droppings can result in health code violations.

Insurance Implications For Geese-Related Damages

When it comes to damage caused by wildlife, including geese, insurers are often more reluctant to pay out on claims. In order to qualify for insurance protection, property owners are generally expected to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of wildlife-related damage.

In many situations, insurance companies may refuse to pay for roof damage if the property owner has not taken sufficient action to prevent geese from settling on their roofs. Here are a few situations where claims might be denied:

1. Failure to Implement Deterrent Measures: Many insurance policies include clauses that require property owners to maintain their property in good condition and take necessary steps to prevent damage. If a building owner fails to install deterrents, insurers may argue that the property owner was negligent in protecting the roof. In such cases, the damage caused by the geese might not be covered under the policy.
2. Ignoring Warnings or Recommendations: If an insurance adjuster or pest control expert has advised the property owner to take action to deter geese from nesting or resting on the roof, and the owner fails to follow these recommendations, the insurer could argue that the damage was preventable. Insurance companies are likely to deny claims if they determine that the property owner was aware of the issue but chose not to address it.
3. Exclusion Clauses in Policies: Some insurance policies may include specific exclusions for damage caused by animals or pests that are not promptly addressed. In such cases, the insurer may refuse to cover repairs for roof damage caused by Canada geese if the property owner did not take immediate action to address the problem when it was first identified.
4. Failure to Document the Problem: In cases where geese-related damage is not reported in a timely manner, insurance companies may deny claims due to insufficient documentation. If the property owner did not take photos or make note of the issue before the damage worsened, the insurer may not consider the claim valid, leading to an outright denial.

How to prevent geese from causing uninsurable damage to your rooftop

When it comes to deterring geese from rooftops, the most effective solution is to introduce an automated bird laser. Due to the nature of industrial rooftops, proven deterrence solutions like canine harassment will have less of an impact, while unproven solutions such as strobe lights and predator decoys pose no actual threat and are thus ignored by Canada geese. Automated bird lasers harass nuisance geese but do not interfere with normal property uses. The automated system and extensive range of the laser beam (over 1,000 yards) provide effective nuisance bird harassment on an ad hoc, seasonal, or continuous basis. Proper installation and programming of automated lasers can offer your property 24/7 protection and prevent geese from loitering or nesting on your property’s rooftop. 

If you notice geese on your property’s rooftop, contact us before the damage becomes extensive and costly. With proper management, we can help protect your rooftop and employees from the financial and biohazard risks Canada geese pose. 

The Wild Goose Chase team has over 27 years of experience managing Canada geese – and other nuisance birds – on commercial and industrial properties. For more information about how our team can deter birds from your roof, or to schedule a site evaluation, contact us.

Marcus Hagberg

Marus Hagberg is the COO of Wild Goose Chase, a leading pest and nuisance bird control company serving the Midwest. With over 20 years of industry experience, he helps lead a specialized team of biologists, canine handlers, and construction experts to deliver effective, customized solutions. Marus is committed to providing strategic, research-backed bird control services that protect properties from health and safety risks.