Exclusion
The best and most permanent solution to pest birds entering and nesting within structures is to bird-proof the building to the fullest extent possible. Birds entering through openings to nest or roost within a building’s attic, false ceilings, etc. should be removed and the accesses closed off with durable materials. People working or entering confined spaces that were inhabited by birds should wear proper personal protective equipment due to the possibility of pathogens being present in accumulated bird droppings. Piles of bird droppings in, on or near food facilities should be removed and the areas disinfected using appropriate cleaning compounds and disinfection procedures. Cleaning, removing and handling of bird feces at food facilities should be regarded as being on the same level as working with hazardous materials and the same precautions should be taken.
Nest Removal
Pest bird nests in, on, or in close proximity to food facilities should be removed and the area properly cleaned and disinfected. The site should be screened off so that birds cannot nest there again. Bird nests contain bird feces, animal debris, feathers, plant materials, ectoparasites, and more importantly, stored product pests. Insect inhabitants of bird nests frequently enter buildings where they often become stored product pests and nuisances. Those who remove bird nests should wear proper protective equipment. Bird nests on structures are often in high places and it may require the use of tall ladders or aerial lifts to access and remove them. The use of the aforementioned equipment requires adequate, documented training and perhaps this type of work should be left to professionals.
Trapping
Live trapping can sometimes be a useful control strategy especially for pigeons. However, it is not an effective stand-alone control method especially when large numbers of birds are present. It is time consuming and labor intensive because traps must be monitored and serviced frequently for efficiency and humane purposes. The California Penal Code section 597 states that failure to provide trapped animals with “proper food, drink or shelter or protection from the weather is a punishable offense.” In many areas of the country, disposing of trapped pigeons is a major problem and birds taken to animal shelters are often released. Pigeons have excellent homing abilities and they will return to where they were trapped even when released far away from trapped location.
Chemical Control
A flock-frightening chemical is available for bird management in the structural pest management arena. When consumed in certain quantities, this material can cause bird mortality. There are a number of negative issues that are associated with the use of avicides for bird control and these are addressed elsewhere. The public view all birds as desirable animals and they tend to respond negatively to bird mortality even that of filthy, disease carrying, non-native bird species such as pigeons, sparrows and starlings that often out-compete and displace native songbirds. In view of this, any time bird abatement programs involving avicides are contemplated, extremely careful considerations must be given to unintended consequences. Only licensed, trained, and experienced professionals should be trusted to use avicides. All label directions for avicides must be clearly understood, adhered to, and followed.
Conclusions
Pest bird control at food facilities must be based on an integrated pest management approach. Each facility should be carefully assessed and evaluated, and control strategies must be tailored to that location. One-dimensional approaches to pest bird management at food facilities are doomed to fail. Reliance on physical bird deterrent devices alone will not produce the desired results. Bird spikes, bird coils, bird wires, etc. simply move birds away from areas where they are installed to other areas of the property. They do not induce pest birds to leave a location where all of their life requirements are met on a daily basis. Therefore, a well balanced approach, utilizing a variety of control techniques, tools, and strategies, is the most efficient, cost effective, and long term solution to bird problems at food facilities.
References:
- Gulmahamad, H. 2003. School Days. Pigeon problems at inner-city schools in Los Angeles cause trouble for students, teachers, and pest management professionals.
- Pest Control Technology 31(10): 146, 148, 149, 153, 154.
- Weber, W. 1979. Health hazards from pigeons, starlings and English sparrow. Thomson Publications, Fresno, California. 138pp.
Hanif Gulmahamad, Ph.D., B.C.E., PCA, is an urban and structural entomologist and consultant based in Ontario, Calif. He can be reached [email protected].
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