Pest Bird Control for Amusement Parks

by Alex A. Kecskes

Amusement parks have always been at the mercy of pest birds. Without an effective bird control strategy, birds can literally take over an amusement park, create a huge expense and contribute to a number of serious health issues. They can also impact a park's attendance. All the more reason to take the problems of pest birds seriously.

While birds may be fun to feed and chase (especially, if you're a kid), bird droppings can create all sorts of problems for theme and amusement park operators. Not the least of these are the slip-and fall hazards bird droppings create--multiplied by countless daily visitors, many of them running--that fill a park's premises every day. The legal liability of a serious fall can be ruinous to a park and its reputation.

Likewise, bird droppings covering benches, chairs, awnings, tables at eateries and rest stops can also affect a park's reputation. In addition, the sight of bird droppings on amusement ride signs, seats and waiting areas will leave a negative impression on visitors. Proper bird control can change that.

Bird droppings can carry any of 60 known diseases, which can create health code violations and result in sick patrons. Even the sight of bird droppings near a park's outdoor eatery can influence a patron's willingness to eat there. A particularly troublesome illness caused by inhaled aerated bird droppings is a disease called histoplasmosis, which is characterized by constant flu-like symptoms.

Bird nests, feathers and droppings can also get into the mechanisms and electrical equipment of rides and attractions. This can cause breakdowns that can endanger riders and operating crews. Breakdowns can be costly in terms of maintenance and repairs, and in lost revenue due to non-operation.

Before attempting any lethal means of control, amusement park operators should contact their local wildlife management office. The other alternative is to use non-lethal bird control measures. These are effective, humane, and can save a park's reputation. Here are a few.

Public Pools & Resorts Opt for Bird Control

by Alex A. Kecskes
With the summer upon us, pool-equipped resorts and public pool facilities managers are once again preparing for the huge influx of swimmers and sunbathers. Most have learned that without effective bird control measures, their beautiful facilities will fall victim to an invasion of gulls, pigeons and other feathered pests. These birds are drawn to the easy meals brought out and often left unattended by guests. And what these pest birds leave in their wake are disease-carrying droppings in and around the pool, on tables and chairs, umbrellas, and on towels and other personal items. Not exactly great PR for the facility.

Adding to these woes, pool operators whose facilities have been invaded by pest birds must check the nitrate levels--far more than normal--to ensure bird droppings have not contaminated the pool. The last thing guests and visitors want to hear is that the pool has been shut down for several days. And the last thing facilities managers want to get is a huge bill for draining and cleaning a pool.

The temptation is to resort to bird poisons. Unfortunately, many birds are protected by federal laws under the "Migratory Bird Act of 1918," as well as by many state laws. It's also illegal to destroy, relocate or disrupt most bird nests or their eggs. The only exceptions are non-native species like the House Sparrow, European starling, and the pigeon.

The smart move is to invest in some bird control measures. A few of the more effective and humane devices are outlined below.