Three methods were explored to eliminate damage caused by owl pellets and fecal droppings: exclusion; trapping; and sound deterrents including abstract sound, biosonic sound, and high frequency sound. Initial successful results of various types of sound diminished with time to the point that owls adapted and ignored all sound repellents within a short period. Exclusion techniques were ineffective as owls would find ways around, through or between any non-permanent structure blocking entry through warehouse openings. Live-trapping and relocating owls was the only effective technique tested in this experimental program. Three trap methods were found effective, but trap success diminished with use of each method. Thirteen owls were trapped in one warehouse during this study using bal-chatri, goshawk and drop-net techniques. The details of each method are discussed.

Working knowledge of Federal and State Fish and Wildlife regulations and other laws are critical for today's commercial applicator in the vertebrate pest control business. The ever-changing focus on environmental protection, endangered species considerations, occupational health and safety, and animal rights have put vertebrate pest control operators in the precarious position of correctly interpreting the steady stream of laws and regulations passed by government. The consequences of failing to stay abreast of these changing regulations and correctly interpreting them can lead to very costly fines and possible imprisonment. Maintaining close contact with the many agencies that regulate the pest control industry and their enforcement personnel is essential to navigating and promoting a successful, long-term business in today's hostile, anti-business environment.

Bird deaths resulting from toxic materials in containment ponds are causing authorities to insist that action be taken to eliminate this hazard to avian wildlife. Bird control at containment pond sites is achieved by two well-known but poorly understood aversion techniques: hazing systems (sound/visual) and stretch wire. The limiting condition of either approach is that resident birds rapidly habituate while some migrating species are totally unaffected. Consequently, one must be able to accept degrees of control with an understanding of the behavior of the species involved. Birdproofing is achieved by covering an entire pond with bird net. This presentation discusses several aspects of bird netting including selection of net, with consideration of UV degradation, weather conditions and species, design of support systems, installation procedures, attachment techniques, abrasion limitations, and a brief summary of hanging and stretch-wire techniques.

Reducing a pigeon population to a tolerable or minimal impact level is a subject about which one can find much antiquated and impractical information. Most technical literature reports on the biology of pigeons and associated disease factors. The intention of this paper is to describe the practical application of large-scale pigeon population reduction programs that have been at least 90% effective in 45 out of 46 cases over the past four years. Human relations, exclusion, trapping, toxic perches and Avitrol are discussed.

Vineyard bird control is an important issue both monetarily and practically. Each season vineyard managers face the real threat of significant crop loss to starlings and finches, as well as an assortment of other birds. The increased popularity of wine as a mainstream consumable has led to a higher crop value in this industry. Because of this, the grape growers can no longer ignore bird damage. Netting, now recognized as the best solution, creates an additional challenge for the grower. To take full advantage of this management tool, a working knowledge of the proper equipment, as well as recognition of the behavioral characteristics and effects of the pest birds, must be combined for maximum effect.

In an effort to reduce damage by house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) to grapes, field trials were undertaken in two red winegrape (Pinot Noir and Pinot Chardonnay) vineyards in California using prebait (rape seed and canary grass seed) followed by baiting with these same seeds treated with a hydrochloric acid and 4-aminopyridine (Avitrol) solution. Seed was placed in V-shaped troughs placed 1-3 feet above the vines; treated seed was blended in a ratio of 2 untreated seeds to 1 treated seed, and 3 parts canary grass seed to 1 part rape seed. Prebait seed was replaced with treated seed when estimated maximum house finch visitation occurred, and was exposed from 1 to 4 days, with removal when house finch feeding from troughs ceased; the prebait and treatment schedule was then repeated as necessary until harvest. Bird counts were made throughout the trial, and winegrape damage assessment was conducted. In one test vineyard, early in the trial damage in the treated plot was assessed at 3% while damage in the control plot was insignificant, and house finches abandoned the test site. In the other test vineyard, the treatment plot received 7% damage while the two control plots received 17% and 13% damage, respectively. As a result of the treatment, grape damage was reduced approximately 50% as compared to bird damage the previous year. Data support the conclusion that Avitrol-affected house finches may stimulate an avoidance reaction among other flock members.