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BIRDS AND THEIR CONTROL. Why are some birds considered as pests?. 1. CONSUME LARGE QUANTITIES OF GRAIN. 2. CONTAMINATE PRODUCTS, CONTAINERS AND BUILDINGS. 3. SPREAD CERTAIN HUMAN AND ANIMAL DISEASES. 4. THEIR NESTS, FEATHERS AND DRIED CARCASSES MAY BE A SOURCE OF STORED PRODUCT PESTS.
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Why are some birds considered as pests? 1. CONSUME LARGE QUANTITIES OF GRAIN 2. CONTAMINATE PRODUCTS, CONTAINERS AND BUILDINGS 3. SPREAD CERTAIN HUMAN AND ANIMAL DISEASES 4. THEIR NESTS, FEATHERS AND DRIED CARCASSES MAY BE A SOURCE OF STORED PRODUCT PESTS. 5. BIRDS ACT AS HOSTS FOR VARIOUS ECTOPARASITES 6. MAY POSE HAZARDS TO AIRCRAFT SAFETY BY COLLIDING WITH THEM
DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH BIRDS 1. HISTOPLASMOSIS 2. ORNITHOSIS (PSITTACOSIS) 3. SALMONELLOSIS 4. TRANSMISSIBLE GASTROENTERITIS 5. ENCEPHALITIS 6. PSEUDOTUBERCULOSIS
ECTOPARASITES ASSOCIATED WITH BIRDS • BED BUGS • PIGEON TICKS • FLEAS • CONENOSE BUGS • CHICKEN MITES • NORTHERN FOWL MITES • BAT BUGS
MAJOR PEST SPECIES • The Common Pigeon • The House Sparrow • The European Starling
COMMON PIGEON • Monogamous relationships • Breeding occurs in all seasons, peaks in spring and fall • Average life span 3 – 4 years • Crude nests of sticks, grass and twigs • Flocks are mobile having resting, roosting and feeding sites
HOUSE SPARROW MALE FEMALE
HOUSE SPARROW • Not a true sparrow but is a weaver finch • Prolific breeders, up to 45 young ones per year • Annual mortality rates are 40 – 60 % • Range of 1 –2 miles • Consumes 6 g of food per day
EUROPEAN STARLING • Introduced in the early 1890’s • Flocks in large numbers reaching 100,000 or more • Cavity dwellers • Breeds in spring • 4 – 7 eggs, two broods per season • Very hardy bird, survives harsh conditions
BIRD PROTECTION LAWS The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 • Protects bird species like blackbirds, cowbirds, grackles, etc • Feral pigeons, English sparrows and starlings are not protected 2. The State and Local laws are usually more demanding than federal laws 3. Public opinion may be a factor in control of birds
BIRD MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS 1. SURVEY 2. SANITATION 3. EXCLUSION AND HABITAT ALTERATION 4. REPELLANTS 5. POPULATION REDUCTION
BIRD SURVEYS 1. Identification of the bird species 2. Study of the activity patterns 3. Determination of any non target birds which may be at risk 4. Determine the extent of the problem
SANITATION • Limiting or reducing access to food, water and • shelter • Regular removal of nests
EXCLUSION AND HABITAT ALTERATION The aim is to deny them access to enter or use any structure as a nesting, roosting or loafing site • Use of plastic bird netting • Use of covers or ramps • Hanging plastic strips on warehouse doorways
REPELLANTS 1. TACTILE 2. SOUND 3. ODOR 4. VISUAL
TACTILE REPELLANTS • MECHANICAL REPELLANTS 1. PORCUPINE WIRES eg. Nixalite and Cat claw 2. TIGHTLY STRUNG STRANDS OF STEEL WIRE eg. Piano wire, monofilament wires 3. ELECTRICALLY CHARGED WIRES 4. JETS OF WATER • CHEMICAL REPELLANTS Use of gels, pastes, sprays from concentrates, etc
USE OF WIRES Bird B Gone spikes Bird Barrier Coils
WIRES (CONTD) Daddy Long Legs
SOUND REPELLANTS Use of sudden loud or unusual noises • Automatic Gas Exploders • Gunfire • Fireworks • Loud piercing alarms • Recorded distress sounds and alarm calls
Electronic alarm device Recorder
ODOR REPELLANTS eg.Naphthalene flakes VISUAL REPELLANTS • Flashing Lights • Fake Owls • Scarecrows • Balloons
POPULATION REDUCTION 1. TOXIC BAITS 2. TOXIC PERCHES 3. TRAPS 4. SHOOTING 5. STRESSING AGENT
TOXIC BAITS • AVITROL & STARLICIDE • STRYCHNINE (TREATED) CORN • CHEMOSTERILANTS eg. Ornitrol
TOXIC PERCHES • Contain 9.4% Endrin and 11% Fenthion • Toxicant is absorbed through the feet
TRAPPING • Prebaiting for several days enhances trapping efficacy • Use of decoy birds to lure in other birds • Food, water and shade are to be maintained SHOOTING • .22 caliber rifle • .410 gauge shotgun • High powered air rifle
STRESSING AGENT • Use of a liquid detergent eg. Tergitol • Breaks down their natural waterproofing • Loss of insulating ability • Applied after birds have returned to roost • Applied during low temperature, rainy days