Changes

===Geese===

==Geese==

Canada Geese and Cackling Geese can cause damage by eating vegetation, and mess by leaving droppings. In some urban settings they can pose a further nuisance by alarming members of the public.

<p>Canada Geese and Cackling Geese can cause damage by eating vegetation, and mess by leaving droppings. In some urban settings they can pose a further nuisance by alarming members of the public.

They are often associated with stormwater management ponds. As many forms of LID reduce or eliminate standing water, the habitat for geese is reduced.  

They are often associated with stormwater management ponds. As many forms of LID reduce or eliminate standing water, the habitat for geese is reduced.  

However, geese have even been found nesting on extensive green roofs in our region. <br>Here are some tips on control: </p>

However, geese have even been found nesting on extensive green roofs in our region. <br>Here are some tips on control:

#Discourage the feeding of any wildlife: This may require public education with signage.  

<li>Discourage the feeding of any wildlife: This may require public education with signage. </li>

#Discourage geese from taking off and landing: Geese require open space which can be broken up with fencing or vegetation barriers such as hedges,

<li>Discourage geese from taking off and landing: Geese require open space which can be broken up with fencing or vegetation barriers such as hedges </li>

#Mow less frequently: Geese prefer to eat the shorter, younger shoots of turf grass. Reducing mowing saves maintenance budget, and on [[vegetation filter strips]] and in [[enhanced grass swales]] the roughness (Manning's 'n') is increased. Increased roughness slows flow, allowing more water to infiltrate into the soil.

<li>Mow less frequently: Geese prefer to eat the shorter, younger shoots of turf grass. Reducing mowing saves maintenance budget, and on [[vegetation filter strips]] and in [[enhanced grass swales]] the roughness (Manning's 'n') is increased. Increased roughness slows flow, allowing more water to infiltrate into the soil. </li>

#Bird deterrent tape: Geese are slightly discouraged by shiny/flickering/reflective movement. Foil tape or flags are available for this purpose.  This can be a useful strategy on recently seeded areas or on green roofs, in the late winter, at the start of nesting seaso

<li>Bird deterrent tape: Geese are slightly discouraged by shiny/flickering/reflective movement. Foil tape or flags are available for this purpose.  This can be a useful strategy on recently seeded areas or on green roofs, in the late winter, at the start of nesting season. </li>

===See Also===

==Mosquitoes==

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[[File:Culex.png|thumb|Mosquito larvae developing in water <br>[https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1441809 Image: James Gathany, CDC]]

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Mosquitoes are a vector for many global diseases. In Ontario they are associated with transmission of West Nile Virus[https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/DataAndAnalytics/Pages/WNV.aspx]. Low impact development technologies reduce the amount of standing water compared to traditional stormwater ponds as most water is stored in voids within soil and gravel layers. The maximum recommended surface ponding time is 24 hours after a storm event, as this is less than the time required for one mosquito breeding cycle. In some high density urban landscapes, it may be desirable to have a shorter ponding time.

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*Mesh is the first line of defense: A mesh size of 1.5 mm or smaller is recommended where a screen is used to exclude mosquitoes from a tank or other standing water[http://www.who.int/ith/2017-ith-chapter7.pdf?ua=1],

*Mineral oil or liquid soap: A small quantity of either one of these will disrupt mosquito larvae at the surface of the water. This can be effective in residential [[rain barrels]], but requires regular application.