Conduct surveys to determine a bird control strategy

Dr. Reid Ipser, Director of Technical Services, Nisus Corp.

Exotic bird pest species are associated with ectoparasites and numerous diseases. To establish a management protocol, it’s a good idea to conduct extensive surveys of population levels and location of problems. Remember, proper surveys can take several days, and some species (such as the pigeon) can potentially nest and roost in different areas.

Methods that do not use avicides are exclusion (structural modification), sanitation (removing resource sites) and sound disturbances. Be sure to read and understand federal, state and local regulations. It is common to have native non-target birds in the same area, so take care when using bait toxicants.