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PIGEONS Pigeons
are abundant in cities and around rural areas of Colorado. They conflict
with humans for several reasons. Their droppings can deface buildings, kill
vegetation, and are aesthetically displeasing when deposited on benches, sidewalks,
and cars. Around grain elevators, pigeons consume and contaminate grain
destined for human consumption. Pigeons carry pigeon ornithosis (psittacosis)
encephalitis, newcastle disease, toxoplasmosis, salmonella food poisoning and
other diseases. Histoplasmosis, a fungal disease that can infect people,
can be contracted when cleaning up accumulations of dusty pigeon manure.
Pigeon ectoparasites such as mites, fleas, ticks, and bugs may readily bite people.
Pigeons are also considered a hazard around airports. Problems
with pigeons can be reduced or avoided with several methods. Pigeons can
be excluded from buildings by placing 1/2 to 1 inch hardware cloth or plastic
netting over eaves, vents, windows, doors and other openings. The angle
of roosting ledges should be altered to 45o or more with sheet metal
or wood. Porcupine wires (Nixalite or Cat Claw) can be placed on ledges
and ridges of buildings to prevent roosting. Two or more strands of steel
wire can be stretched above and in front of ledges to deter landings. Various
sticky substances such as Roost-No-More and Bird Tanglefoot can be placed on ledges
to temporarily discourage pigeons. Noisemaking
devices including ultrasonic sound, revolving lights and rubber snakes usually
have little permanent effect for frightening pigeons from roosting areas.
Olfactory repellents are ineffective in outdoor areas. Avitrol,
a chemical frightening agent, is available as a whole corn bait for pigeon control.
It is a Restricted Use Pesticide. Birds that consume sufficient amounts
of the treated bait will die but they first display distress symptoms which frighten
other members of the flock away. In urban areas, this chemical should be
used cautiously because high mortality can cause adverse public reactions.
Ornitrol, a chemosterilant that inhibits
embryo formation without harming adults, is no longer registered for pigeon control.
Pigeon numbers also can be reduced by capturing
with live traps or by shooting where permitted. Rid-a-Bird
perches containing the contact poison fenthion, are no longer registered for pigeon
control. Removing nests and destroying
young also helps to depress pigeon populations but inaccessibility of nests makes
the cost/benefit ratio unattractive. Respirators should be worn when removing
dry pigeon manure to avoid contracting histoplasmosis. Additional
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