Managing Urban Pest Bird Problems in Kentucky Thomas G
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C O O P E R A T I V E E X T E N S I O N S E R V I C E U N I V E R S I T Y O F K E N T U C K Y • C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U L T U R E FOR-62 Managing Urban Pest Bird Problems in Kentucky Thomas G. Barnes, Extension Wildlife Specialist Bernice U. Constantin, USDA-APHIS-ADC ome birds come into conflict with man as a S consequence of their roosting, feeding, and nesting activities. House or English sparrows (Passer domesticus), European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), pigeons (Columba livia), blackbirds, and woodpeckers are examples of this conflict. Other species, such as geese, vultures, and House sparrow Red-winged blackbird raptors, are not considered pests but can cause problems or become a nuisance. Sparrows, starlings, and pigeons frequently roost or nest on rafters, window sills, and ledges. Blackbirds — including red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), starlings, and brown- headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) — often estab- Cowbird Common grackle lish large winter and summer roosts which can create a nuisance or health hazard in urban The purpose of this publication is to provide areas. The constant tapping and hole-building information about the control of roost problems activities of woodpeckers during the reproductive caused by urban pigeons, starlings, house spar- season can frustrate homeowners. rows, and small urban birds. Individuals who Birds can cause other problems, including the experience problems with woodpeckers should occasional cardinal or Northern mockingbird that ask the local county Extension office for a copy of slams into a window during spring time and the publication FOR-39, Controlling Woodpecker other birds that create a nuisance around a Damage. Rural landowners with starling or feeder. blackbird problems around livestock feeding facilities, in grain crops, or in orchards should request a copy of Starling Management in Agri- culture from the local Extension office. If a municipality or large corporation is having problems with large bird roosts, the place to contact for technical assistance is the USDA- APHIS-Animal Damage Control office. Their address is 3231 Ruckriegel Parkway, Suite 107, Louisville, Kentucky 40299. The telephone number is (502) 582-5536. These professional Starling Feral pigeon biologists will help alleviate large-scale bird problems. AGRICULTURE • HOME ECONOMICS • 4-H • DEVELOPMENT If after reading this bulletin you decide you is often misdiagnosed as the flu. If left un- do not wish to manage the bird problem your- treated, the individual may take several weeks self, request a copy of publication FOR-13A: or months to recover. The most serious infections Private Pest Control Operators in Kentucky from may occur when the fungus is dispersed through your local county Extension office. This is a the blood stream. These cases may become listing of companies that will help alleviate a chronic, recurring at later times, and may result problem with nuisance wildlife for a fee. The in blindness, loss of lungs, or even death if not USDA-ADC office may also be able to help if treated with an antibiotic. problems are large scale or if a protected bird Not all roosts pose immediate public health species is involved. problems. An active, undisturbed roost may not present a problem because the fungus cannot Why Manage Urban Pest form spores under acidic conditions of fresh Bird Problems? droppings. Thus, active roosts may give off only a few spores that would result in the normally Because pigeons, starlings, and house spar- undetected kind of case. Well-established, old, or rows all live in close association with humans, abandoned roosts are a different matter. After they can transmit diseases to humans; they are the droppings have dried out or been leached by also host to parasites and insect pests that will rain, conditions exist for spore release. If the soil readily bite humans. Their nesting and roosting is stirred up, massive numbers of spores may be activities can create fire hazards. Not only can released and could result in severe problems. their droppings deface property, they can also The following precautions should be taken become a potential health hazard. when working around susceptible roosts. Indi- Blackbird or starling roosts are a frequent viduals should wear a face mask or self-con- and common problem in Kentucky towns and tained breathing apparatus and protective cities because of noise, filth, odor, and health- clothing (coveralls, gloves, caps, and rubber related concerns. Starlings and house sparrows boots). Place soiled clothing in a plastic bag and also compete for nesting sites with native bird wash it as soon as possible after use. Clean species, including the Eastern bluebird, flickers, rubber boots before entering a vehicle. woodpeckers, and purple martins. Bugs, fleas, ticks, and mites (called ectopara- Pigeons may carry a variety of disease sites) found on birds are another potential organisms, including toxoplasmosis, encephali- health hazard. These critters can invade homes tis, Salmonella typhimurium, and numerous and transmit disease by biting. Some of these others. These diseases can be transmitted to bites cause welts and skin infections. humans and may be serious if not diagnosed Birds can also be a nuisance because their properly. Salmonella is statistically the most droppings deface and accelerate deterioration of common cause of salmonella food poisoning in buildings and automobiles. Bird droppings are a humans; it is found in about two percent of common contaminant in grain destined for pigeon droppings. human consumption. Bird nests can clog drain Other serious public health hazards associ- pipes, interfere with awnings, cause electrical ated with birds include histoplasmosis and shortages, and make fire escapes hazardous. cryptococcosis. These systemic fungal diseases may be contracted by humans when they dis- Understanding Blackbird and turb accumulations of bird droppings. Histoplas- mosis, common in Kentucky, is a respiratory Starling Roosts disease caused by inhaling the spores from the Blackbirds, starlings, and associated species fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Birds do not form roosts twice during the year, in summer directly spread the disease, but bird droppings and winter. Summer roosts are formed in large enrich the soil and promote the growth of the deciduous trees or dense sapling stands during fungus. Infection by a few spores generally late June and July after nesting is completed. produces such a mild case in humans that a Thousands of birds may occupy blocks of suit- person may be unaware of the disease. A more able trees during the summer in urban or subur- severe reaction may result in an acute case that ban areas, or a few hundred to several thousand 2 may occupy one to two trees in a backyard. The roosts may require a more varied approach. birds often abandon these roosts after leaf drop Using this approach, you must also use different in the fall to travel to winter roosts. methods, and change them often, so the birds do During the winter, flocks of more than one not become accustomed to them. million birds may assemble in evergreen or Here are the steps to take in dispersing a deciduous trees with dense vegetation, in thick- bird roost: ets, or around buildings where the birds take 1. Contact your neighbors and local authorities advantage of the protective cover. Winter roosts (city manager, police department, health depart- are often found in the countryside and do not ment, USDA-APHIS-ADC) for help. create urban problems. However, in numerous 2. Obtain a bird distress call cassette tape. The Kentucky towns and cities, there are large, well- USDA office in Louisville has bird distress calls established winter bird roosts. The number of to lend. They may also lend you a pistol launcher birds using winter roosts is usually much higher and a small supply of pyrotechnics (whistle than that found in summer roosts. bombs, shellcrackers, noise bombs). If you wish to purchase a bird distress tape ManagingRoosting Bird call, they can be purchased from two sources: Problems in Trees 1) Applied Electronics Corp., 3003 County Line Road, Little Rock, AR 72201, (501) 821- Do not attempt to manage a large roosting 3095 or problem (more than several trees) by yourself. 2) Signal Broadcasting Company, 2314 Contact USDA-APHIS-ADC in Louisville for Broadway St., Denver, CO 80205, (303) 295- assistance and guidance in controlling large bird 0479. roosts. Likewise, if you have a well-established If you need more pyrotechnics, contact problem where there is a potential for transmis- USDA-APHIS-ADC or the Extension Wildlife sion of diseases such as histoplasmosis, contact Specialist at the University of Kentucky (606) USDA-APHIS-ADC for assistance. 257-8633 for a list of companies that sell pyro- Dispersing a Roost technics. with Scaring Devices 3. Obtain a tape player and external speaker to The most effective method of dispersing play the tape. small roosts is to use scaring devices. If a sum- 4. If a roost is in several trees or covers several mer roost has formed in the same place for lawns, coordinate your efforts with adult neigh- several years, FORMULATE A PLAN OF bors. Three or more persons may be necessary to ATTACK IN THE EARLY SPRING BEFORE move the roost, depending on its size. Be sure to THE BIRDS ARRIVE. Once the roost has coordinate your activities for at LEAST THREE formed, it is more difficult to disperse. Appropri- TO FIVE EVENINGS. Often, you will not notice ate planning is also necessary because you will a reduction in bird numbers the first or second need to coordinate activities with your neigh- nights. Scaring often needs to be done for four or bors.