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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPigeon Control II CITY OF PALM DESERT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: City Council and City Manager FROM: Richard J. Folkers, ACM/Public Works Director SUBJECT: PIGEON CONTROL DATE: December 10, 1998 RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to proceed with a trapping program for the pigeons during the winter months and a sterilization control program in the spring. BACKGROUND: In recent years the population of the pigeons in Palm Desert has increased dramatically. As the Council is aware, we had some concerns about pigeons at the intersections of Fred Waring Drive and San Pablo Avenue and Fred Waring Drive and Portola Avenue which resulted in a high concentration of pigeons, as well as pigeon defecation, particularly at Fred Waring Drive and Portola Avenue which is a crossing for students attending Lincoln Elementary and Palm Desert Middle Schools. Our crews do a cleaning weekly to remove the pigeon droppings; however, in spite of that fact, and the fact that the Code Compliance Department was able to get cooperation from the gentlemen to stop feeding the pigeons at the two locations, there is a continued increase in the number of pigeons around the city which is not only a sanitary nuisance but a health concern as well. You will note on the attached brochure, as previously discussed with the City Council, there are serious hygienic ramifications resulting from the pigeon droppings. According to pigeon experts, pigeons live approximately three years and the proposed sterilization program would allow them to live out their lives but not cause additional pigeon problems. Because there are so many pigeons around at the present time, it is recommended that a trapping program be instituted to remove, but not eliminate, the pigeons. Because of the warm climate, the pigeons appear to be able to reproduce all year round so the sterilization program should be instituted while the initial phases of the trapping program have been completed. It is estimated that the pigeon population is over 2,000 Page 2 December 10, 1998 SUBJECT: PIGEON CONTROL birds. The previous program where we intended to put out feed that soured their stomachs which will make them fly to different locations in further analysis was nothing more than an irritant and would not be effective. There was a suggestion to bring in predator birds such as hawks; unfortunately, we were told that doves and quail are easier prey for hawks, so we are not considering this a viable option. Funds are available in the Street Maintenance Account No. 110-4310-433-3320 and the estimated cost for the trapping would be under $10,000, and the feeding program would be under $5,000. Staff recommends that the City Council authorize staff to proceed with a trapping program for the pigeons during the winter months and a sterilization control program in the spring. RIC ARD J. Q[KERS, P.E. REVIEWED AND C CUR CITY MANAGER RJF/ms CITY COUNCIL ANION: APPROVED 4 V DENIED RECEIVED OTHER 1EETINg, D TE l • �$ _ ; YES: � 1 AA (�.A 1 °4OES: .nm J r�% t x.e ABSENT: V ABSTAIN: C1 Q VERIFIED BY: I1rA �.c Original nn F4,1, 'Aria CKiy Clerk' s Its Advantages rrliilllWW()l. Treatment Schedule rl+% � }+, {` 'r Generally, the results of an ORNITROL treatment - program (Both Fall & Spring) will not be apparent 1 EFFECTIVE until the end of the first year. A two year program • is recommended, alter which the reduced pigeon ,+ '^ • � ORNITROL reduces the fertility for approximately population may be easily maintained at the six months In the female and three months In the desired level. male. Length of Treatment (each period): 10 days. 1 • .D ORNITROL has been proven as an effective pigeon Package Size: 30-lb. bag . . . treats 400 pigeons for /,; control. For example, extensive (leld trials, involv- one day. incl local health authorities and the O.S. Fish and 1,. �� Wildlife Service were conducted in various cities NOTE: Each feeding area should be baited daily c iron 7 to the spring of 1970. for a ten (10) day period. Be sure that all pigeon • ,r.xi-y feeding areas are bailed for the same 10 day • , +:.�,41464164 A;' ' period. LOW COST f•elf. . s Estimated Number of ai, ' Compare the positive ORNITROL method with the Pigeon • Amount Required 30 lb. various other non-toxic measures. fo reduce Population for Treatment Bags '.t,a • pigeon population, ORNITROL is lowest in initial 400 300 lbs. 10 • cost. Each subsequent year, both pigeon popuia• 1,000 750 lbs. 25 lion and ORNITROL treatment cost are further 4,000 3,000 lbs. 100 reduced. 8,000 6,000 lbs. 200 1 12,000 9,000 lbs. 300 • 20,000 15,000 lbs. 500 APPLICATION 40,000 30,000 lbs. 1,000 ORNITROL is packaged In convenient e rsy to han- For use only by federal, state, municipal and local cite 30 pound bags. No costly e luipmunt Is ever government agencies, bird protection and con- needed. servation groups, pest control operators, and 11 r .� C f ;;;���mmm IR Althr - some Inlerflock me vement occurs, universities. � A Fi � ,. , LI 1] � 'l pigs tend to maintain discreel flocks and r . T..r a feeding areas. For this reason, all feeding sites ' ---- - must be sought out and baited. - __ Pigeons not accustomed to whole kernel corn __________ should be prebaited for seven (I) to ten (10) days / � PEST ANIMAL PEST with untreated whole kernel con . MANAGEMENT Positive Pigeons prefer feeding In op rn areas. When 90 SERVICES INC. ground feeding, feed away from bulllings, tall Method of grass, etc. Roo( top balling is normal y well ac- ernp % N H. GLEN FOX copied. Grafn elevators, bell lowers, terminals, ~ Bird Specialist n r and all natural feeding areas are suitable (or L Division Manager Pigeon Control OI baiting. �Ccd. il 909-591-9551 FAX 909-590-1435 Feeding In early morning Is be: I for I all accep- ,V C 13512 Vintage Place Chino,California 91710 lance; however, apply enough Ix II to list all day. i CIIARANTF.FI RESULTS! • What is O17NITIlOL Why Control Pigeons Limited Control Methods The cost of an effective program using sticky PIGEONS CARRY DISEASES HARMFUL TO �►�,�'� repellents,electrical wiring or traps is prohibitive. ►r fj}P �'-• • _ HUMAN HEALTH Many manhours are required to apply and maintain 4► + �" '� these control methods.Sticky repellents and elec- t. tl► '�1 �. Encephalitis, a virus infection known as sleeping trical wiring offer protection for treated areas . 1e �y �••.# 2 .6.• ,. sickness r• r & , 41'�t �' "' flamm do Meningitis, results in a brain In only and have no effect on controlling the size of • ' �� ''�' " . in- flammation the pigeon population. Experience has shown that " r'b ,l l -, 4/►" pigeons can reproduce as fast as trapping can ry��t /�w� `' !� r3 . disease (Psittacosis), a highly contagious viral eliminate them. �`;PP ( A ,j ,it A ( �� j&tr'....4. v%_ita.'14r ' I. Salmonellosis, a bacterial food poisoning "The indiscriminate use of screens, poisons and ""�t,� �?-,y Q �;� 4 . ��IO firearms to reduce the pigeon population is not . �A. , ti ' ,,.� Hlstoplasmosis, respiratory fungus ailment i ,�� `+ 7 i only uneslhetic and dangerous, but ineffective. s„•f, ,�� rJ Science has now come to man's rescue with feas- r•� , �� �� �' � tea;l� ," able alternative." (Massachusetts _ � •�r fill � l F�r`,�' � ` :' ��' �'' January, 1969) Physician, IV �i ��� • � �' .,•• r�`0 a'S PIGEONS ATTRACT NOXIOUS PESTS ' "'{' 'ram' i��, �a�" � ,$‘ �� �* `i VI ‘111100 �i Ectoparasites such as fleas, ticks and miles In- (1 ? :, i \ • ,'t ir. rim vade building from pigeon nests. \'eat 11 0�.: Ia �� Al Pigeons have been identified as a common source �`` • ."4 Q M �-i�t, tr of chicken mites which Infect humans, causing t r &•t .- i .t ��``w1 skin diseases. \%ii 2,- + f , . . PIGEONS CAUSE POLLUTION t.t''i r _e J•,,A w j`" Pigeon droppings contaminate food and water. 6....40. ORNITROL is the only chemosterilant registered Pigeon droppings contaminate food intended for a_ ,� for the control of pigeons. In the female, human or animal consumption. F '4►. 1 TROL is a long acting Inhibitor of ovulation yr . 1—M ---•�., Flies breed In pigeon excrement and nests. �, ."" iw; ocking cholestonol synthesis and egg yolk ..",0:rr r r,;« ,s �:._.,. • formation.In the male,ORNITROL has an effect on i%'Rr\' ,- ' the pitualory and an influence on estrogen produc- • ` lion which is concerned with spermatogenesis. PIGEON DROPPINGS DEFACE BUILDINGS AND MONUMENTS • ORNITROL is whole kernel corn bail coated with ,.; t, l �. '{1 , ":,.�+�+'" • 4. a low level, 0.1% by weight, of 20, 25- The filth and ugliness are only too well known. ��. diazachoiestenol dihydrochloride, a potent The high cost of cleaningbuildings and monu- i i inhibitor of reproduction in pigeons. g g �;1-� .;4 4 I-ow,. • lit, '3 ments is well established. �•� ` �� ` Test data indicates that should non-target Pigeon excrement also causes structural damage. species eat the treated corn, temporary sterility * •�„ y • r`1 it Wit` �%44;1 . fr 1 #,...,;.. .-;,s ,may result. Exposure of non-target species is Control is not only desirable but necessary In t in'if"�ft soli Mr,1, � i l !'•. minimized by choice of the relatively large whole any area where vagrant pigeons are found in i'-!�'``,• `i1' '' a: 1a„f e, i corn bait. abundance. 'I tiw;"� QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 1. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FEED ORNITROL TO PIGEONS? In the early spring . . . preferably late February or anytime in March. However, in the snow zone . . . the first 10 days of April may be satisfactory. Also, another period is suggested . . . late summer and early fall.Twice a year will provide best results. In many of the warm and/or southerly climates . . . the periods may deviate from the above. 2. IS SPOT TREATMENT EFFECTIVE AT A GIVEN LOCATION? Only partially effective, since the effective control of pigeon populations requires a program en- compassing feeding sites over a somewhat wide area . . . encouragement cannot be given to a course of treatment involving single structures or dwellings. Movement patterns of pigeons within an area of a few blocks is not well established. 3. WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO BAIT? ORNITROL may be best spread on the ground at customary pigeon feeding locations, such as railroad yards, near grain elevators, or in parks. Roofs of buildings, bell towers and other similar areas frequented by pigeons are very desirable baiting sites. 4. WILL ORNITROL EXTERMINATE PIGEONS? ORNITROL is intended to reduce excessive pigeon populations . . . in other words . . . control not eradicate. 5. IS ORNITROL HARMFUL TO PIGEONS? No. There is no apparent effect other than temporary sterility . . . reducing the number of offspring. 6. WHAT HAPPENS IF SONG BIRDS OR WATERFOWL ACCIDENTALLY EAT ORNITROL? Most song birds are incapable of ingesting whole kernel corn. Should an occasional bird eat a large quantity . . . the result would probably be temporary sterility . . . then full recovery. 7. WILL ORNITROL REDUCE PEST POPULATIONS OF STARLINGS, BLACKBIRDS, ETC.? It may be reasonable to assume that the active ingredients, if eaten in sufficient quantities, would affect these birds in a manner similar to pigeons. However, presently we do not have sufficient field data to validate this assumption. 8. IS ORNITROL DANGEROUS TO PETS? No. Dogs and cats seldom eat whole kernel corn. Research data indicates little, if any, activity in mammals. 9. IS ORNITROL AN EFFECTIVE RAT CONTROL AGENT? No . . . it is not effective in rodents or other mammals.