Here at TPC Scottsdale, we deal with a common pest among golf courses in the southwest that dwell in our lakes during the peak season: North American coots. Coots are a nuisance bird that feed on the overseeded turf surrounding the lake banks which causes unwanted damage to the golf course. In addition, their excrement is a black, tarry substance that damages turf and is unappealing to our guests.
In order to control the population of the coots, we have implemented a strategy that will discourage them from nesting and migrating to our lakes. After many different strategies, we have found a way to at least manage the number of coots that migrate here.
The first step that was implemented was our golf course dog, Tio. Tio is a border collie that has been trained to run lakes and chase off unwanted birds. Secondly, we strung fishing line around the lakes. Adding the string around the lakes makes it difficult for the birds to quickly enter the water, which allows Tio to be used more effectively. Also, we have experimented with a garlic extract product that is sprayed on the lake banks. This product gives the turfgrass an unpleasant scent and taste. Finally, we utilize a kayak to further spook the coots away from the property. The more we are able to harass the coots, the more succesful we become.
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