Letter to Residents from Commissioner Mauro Tucci

Fogging of Birds Scheduled for This Week in Nutley

Posted

Dear Residents:

In an effort to control the population of birds in the area we have once again contacted the Bird Doctor Nationwide to assist us. The Bird Doctor Nationwide (birddoctorinc.com) has proposed to remove the birds through a fogging application utilizing a Thermal Dyna Fogger. Last year was our first attempt with this method and was very successful in clearing these areas. Although the birds have not returned in the same magnitude we are going to treat these areas again to hopefully alleviate the problem entirely.

The material that is utilized in the Thermal Dyna Fogger is Methyl Anthranilate. Methyl Anthranilate aerosols are environmentally responsible. The EPA has classified it as a naturally occurring flavorant, and it has been declared GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) by the FDA. (Also used in grape gum) Methyl Anthranilate’s method for bird control is a pain stimulus in the trigeminal nerves which are found in the throats and mucus membranes of the beak and eyes. Almost all animals have these nerves, yet only birds have a negative response to Methyl Anthranilate. Birds “feel” Methyl Anthranilate as pain, while mammals, including humans, sense it as a grape scent.

Birds inhaling Methyl Anthranilate aerosols respond to the discomfort immediately, with two important results:They evacuate the location without delay. Nuisance birds are cleared from a site any time Methyl Anthranilate is introduced.

Target birds begin to associate the pain to the site. They are trained, with multiple applications that the site is painful and they seek a new location.

Until now, there have been few options for the control of flocks of birds that invade and contaminate a site other than killing them. This fogging method will not kill the birds, it will simply cause them to not like coming to this area anymore. There will be approximately five applications of this fogging method.

During the fogging procedure, which will be done at night, please refrain from using the park or going near the area of the fogging application. Although we have been assured that the process is safe we want to be over cautious to avoid any contact with residents or pets. Applications of this product will take place from July 27th thru July 31, 2015. The area to be treated will border Bloomfield Ave, Margaret Ave, Van Winkle Ave and Wilson Ave. Consequently, DeMuro Park will be closed from 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. on these dates.

I appreciate your patience with this matter and if you have any further questions please feel free to call the Parks and Recreation office at any time at 973-284-4966.

Sincerely,

Mauro G. Tucci

Commissioner