Swallow Bug and Swallow Management Melina Tye Army National Guard Pest Management Consultant Conservation (ARNG-IEN) 703-601-8275 melina.k.tye.civ@mail.mil
Minnesota Swallow Management Program Provided by: Zac Alexander, IPMC Minnesota Army National Guard Facilities Management Office - Environmental 15000 Hwy 115, Camp Ripley Little Falls, MN 56345 Phone: (320) 616-3003 Email: zachary.j.alexander.nfg@mail.mil
In The Beginning In all years previous to 2015, Cliff and Barn Swallows have been consistent visitors at Camp Ripley. Although minor issues with feces existed, it was dealt with by occasional cleaning and never seemed to be a big problem. Because Minnesota has a huge mosquito population, the swallows were seen as a benefit (and still are). That changed in March 2015...
Swallow Bugs Background: An infestation of bed bugs was reported in Camp Ripley s housing area on 7 March 2015. What was originally reported as a Bed Bugs, turned out to be Swallow Bugs. Swallow Bugs do not normally enter buildings or feed on humans. Due to the unseasonably warm weather spell during the first part of March 2015, the swallow bugs hatched early. Because there were no swallows for the bugs to feed off of, they entered a few occupied rooms in Area 7 housing and fed on personnel. Corrective actions were taken by housing personnel immediately during that weekend. Swallow Bug Bed Bug Swallow Bugs feed primarily on swallows. The bugs lay their eggs in swallow nests which can lay dormant through the winter months (even in residual mud ring foundations.) They are parasites that suck blood and are quite small in size.
Swallow Bugs Planning Actions Taken: Contacted information from the University of Minnesota, the MN Dept. of Agriculture, the MN Dept. of Natural Resources, and Army Public Health Center. Determined it is very rare for Swallow Bugs to infests interior spaces. So rare that several of the above agencies and institutions did not have information to provide. Contractor (Guardian Pest Services) hired to survey several of the interior areas where the Swallow Bugs were reported found minor evidence of dying bugs but very few indoors. Recommendations Made: Frequent spot checks of interior rooms as necessary or reported by occupants. Only rooms that may have evidence of actual infestation should be treated as needed. Increased focus on exclusionary practices by discouraging swallow nesting in all buildings and structures at Camp Ripley.
Habitable Building Survey Camp Ripley Objective: On 18 March 2015, an onsite building survey was conducted by the IPMC from NGMN-FME after the report of Swallow Bugs. The purpose was to evaluate and determine the extent of previous and current Swallow nesting locations on habitable buildings in areas 7, 8, 9, 10, 22 and 15.
Area 15 Guest Housing There was no evidence of any swallow nesting (current or previous) on any of these structures. It should be noted that these building are sided with aluminum and have smooth surfaces as opposed to stucco or cinderblock construction.
Command Involvement Held meeting with key players from Camp Ripley Command including representatives from Housing, State Safety, Logistics, Conservation, Environmental and other interested and concerned parties. The purpose was to brief the situation, provide recommendations and possible solutions as well as to solicit feed-back and address concerns. Over the next week, through additional communication, a basic plan was formulated to address swallow nesting that season (Summer 2015), with additional focus on future control measure. It was agreed that as much removal of nests be accomplished and spike strips were placed in high swallow traffic areas (limited due to funds). Camp Ripley Training Center Conservation personnel to lead this effort with staff MN DNR oversight.
Swallow Nest Mitigation 2016 Who: CRC-E, FMO-E What: Removal, cleaning and maintenance of swallow nesting areas on lodging and high traffic facilities throughout Camp Ripley Training Center cantonment. How: Cooperative effort between Contractors, FMO-E, CRC-E and CLC interns to prevent swallow nesting. When: April 1-June, 15, 2016 Assessment: Contractors will be retained to perform initial power washing at a cost of $14 K. There is a high cost ( $52 K) associated with contracting for mitigation (nest removal) efforts. It is more cost effective to hire additional CLC interns $13 K to focus on the nest mitigation effort. A permanent solution is needed to prevent the swallows from building nests. Five gallons of clear coat substance has been purchased in order to determine the effectiveness of this substance on test buildings. Recommendations: 1. Pressure wash highlighted buildings through contract. 2. Use CLC interns to conduct nest mitigation on highlighted buildings. 3. Test clear substance on 5 T-Buildings in Area 9 in the cut out areas behind the air conditioners. Desired End State: NO swallow bugs in buildings; NO feces in entry ways.
Exclusion Solution #1 Nixalite is a trade name for stainless steel spike strips that can be placed where birds tend to nest. Cost depends on the type of Nixalite purchased. Approximate cost is $500.00 per 100 linear feet on the Nixalite website. http://www.nixalite.com/nixalitemodels.aspx
Exclusion Solution #2 Anti-Graffiti Paint Si-COAT 530 Anti-Graffiti paint has been found to minimize or prevent swallows from being able to cement their mud pellets to treated surfaces. This paint has been used extensively by the Texas Department of Transportation as well as Ft. Hood for swallow nest control. The paint is silicone based and manufactured by CSL Silicones in Canada. Purchased 5 gallons (~$500) and conducted feasibility tests on one of the more popular bird nesting locations. Will determine cost-effectiveness compared to the cost of spike strips, or a combination of both spike strips and the paint as a final solution. Photos taken 17 May 2016 of treated areas known to be popular with swallows!
Seasonal Mitigation Recommendations Action Recommended Season Locations Who? Spot check habitable rooms (for Swallow Bugs Only) Survey all Camp Ripley structures; Remove all new nests, nests in progress etc. Ensure no remaining nests are present Increase use and install Nixalite on all Camp Ripley Structures. (as funding permits) Clean all bird droppings. Continuous and Year Round. During Summer Months (with DNR oversight) After September 1 st and through winter until June 15th. Early Spring (prior to June 15th) and anytime after September 1 st. Year Round as Feasible (continuous monitoring) All Housing and Guest Housing Areas (interior) All Building Exteriors in Cantonment and Down Range (as feasible) All Building Exteriors in Cantonment and Down Range Under eaves and entries of all affected buildings on Camp Ripley All training area structures and occupied buildings. Housing, residents, or room service IPMC, Safety & Health Officer, Contract cleaners, Interns Contract Cleaners Contracted Services or in house (DPW) Contracted cleaners, DPW Coordinate with IPMC Always NGMN-FME All Personnel. NOTE: The emphasis is currently on buildings that have inhabitants such as housing, barracks, latrines, dining facilities, the Exchange etc. Secondary structures include down range (FOBS, CACTF, Shoot Houses) or cold storage buildings
2016 Efforts Before (April 2015) After (May 2016)
Summary & Future Recommendations Anti-Graffiti Paint The application of Si-COAT 530 Anti-Graffiti paint was very successful in discouraging nesting in the most popular swallow nesting locations. Will purchase a large quantity (approximately 300 gallons) to apply to all buildings within the cantonment area of Camp Ripley in 2017. In some areas, spike strips will be removed entirely in favor of the esthetically favored clear coat paint. Before After
Summary & Future Recommendations In addition to spike strips and antigraffiti paint, a suggestion was made to build swallow condos to encourage nesting of swallows AWAY from inhabited locations. Camp Ripley will continue the program currently in progress. Ongoing process dependent on available funding. Also continue to search for methods to discourage nesting in undesirable locations while still welcoming the presence of swallows to assist in devouring as many mosquitos as possible! Examples only
Swallow Bug and Swallow Resources: Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture, Mr. Mark Abrahamson, Pest Detection & Response Unit Supervisor University of Minnesota, Dr. Steven Kells, Associate Professor, Entomology Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Christopher E. Smith, M.Sc., A.W.B US.A. APHIS PPQ: Dr. Jung Kim, Ph. D. Camp Ripley Environmental, Mr. Brian Dirks, DNR Animal Survey Coordinator & Ms. Nancy Dietz, DNR Assistant Animal Survey Coordinator Adam s Pest Control (initially identified the swallow bugs). Guardian Pest Control Services.
Questions & Discussion Regurgitated bugs again? Sheesh Chirp.
Four Elements of IPM 1. Surveillance 2. Plan 3. Implementation 4. Evaluation Success!
Cliff and Barn Swallows There are two primary swallow species common to Camp Ripley, MN: Cliff Swallows and Barn Swallow. Cliff Swallows are more prevalent at Camp Ripley. Their nests are more gourd-shaped enclosed structures. The Barn Swallow nests are more cup shaped and open. Swallows lay 3-7 eggs, with 1-2 broods per season. The incubation period is 12-14 days with a total nesting period of between 20-26 days. Swallows are migratory and protected by state and federal regulations. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service does not require a permit to remove nests in Minnesota so long as eggs or young birds are not present. Above: Cliff Swallow Nests Below: Barn Swallow Nests
The Swallow: Identification Cliff Swallow As previously mentioned, Swallows can be identified by the type of nest they build. It is not uncommon for Cliff Swallows and Barn Swallows to build their nests together in a single community (as evidenced by the photos taken on 18 March 2015). State laws vary. This is based on MN regulations. Do s and Don ts: Frightening: Not effective for either Cliff or Barn Swallows. Repellents: Not effective. Toxicants: None registered. Trapping: Illegal! Nest Removal*: Wash nests down with water or a pole before occupied!
The Swallow: More Facts Swallows are long distance migrants traveling to North America during the breading/nesting season and South and Central America for wintering. The migration north usually occurs in May (it varies depending on temperature and conditions) and they usually depart starting in late July until the end of August (again, depending on weather conditions. The Minnesota Dept. of Transportation (MNDot) states they only conduct bridge work before May 15 and after September 1 st which is the average brooding period for Swallows, to avoid disturbing nests. MNDot attempts nest removal as soon as nests are built, sometimes up to three times per week in the same locations.
The Swallow: Health Concerns When it comes to birds, there is more than just avian flu to be worried about. It has been suggested that there are over 60 other diseases that birds and their droppings can carry. The problem is especially worrisome in residential areas, as many of them are airborne and can be transferred to humans just by being around droppings. Examples of transmissible bird diseases associated with pigeons, geese, starling and house sparrows: 1. Histoplasmosis is a respiratory disease that may be fatal. It results from a fungus growing in dried bird droppings. 2. Candidiasis is a yeast or fungus infection spread by pigeons. The disease affects the skin, the mouth, the respiratory system, the intestines and the urogenital tract, especially the vagina. It is a growing problem for women, causing itching, pain and discharge. 3. Cryptococcosis is caused by yeast found in the intestinal tract of pigeons and starlings. The illness often begins as a pulmonary disease and may later affect the central nervous system. Since attics, cupolas, ledges, schools, offices, warehouses, mills, barns, park buildings, signs, etc. are typical roosting and nesting sites, the fungus is apt to be found in these areas. 4. St. Louis Encephalitis, an inflammation of the nervous system, usually causes drowsiness, headache and fever. It may even result in paralysis, coma or death. St. Louis encephalitis occurs in all age groups, but is especially fatal to persons over age 60. The disease is spread by mosquitoes which have fed on infected house sparrow, pigeons and house finches carrying the Group B virus responsible for St. Louis encephalitis. 5. Salmonellosis often occurs as "food poisoning" and can be traced to pigeons, starlings and sparrows. The disease bacteria are found in bird droppings; dust from droppings can be sucked through ventilators and air conditioners, contaminating food and cooking surfaces in restaurants, homes and food processing plants. 6. E.coli. Cattle carry E. coli 0157:H7. When birds peck on cow manure, the E. coli go right through the birds and the bird droppings can land on or in a food or water supply. Besides being direct carriers of disease, nuisance birds are frequently associated with over 50 kinds of ectoparasites, which can work their way throughout structures to infest and bite humans. About two-thirds of these pests may be detrimental to the general health and well-being of humans and domestic animals. The rest are considered nuisance or incidental pests.
Areas surveyed (including the guest quarters located in area 15 near the Town Hall).
Buildings 10-142, 141, 140, 139, 138, 137, 144, 143, 146 & 145 all have active nests mostly on the west side in the sheltered spots above the AC units (there are two sheltered spots along the backs of each building). The photo below is typical of all the buildings in this area 10-142 10-140 10-138 10-146 Area 10 & 8 findings. 10-141 10-139 10-137 10-145 10-144 Buildings 10-86, 10-172, 10-171, 10-3 & 10-2 all have active nests mostly on the west side under window eaves. 10-143 All the guest quarters around the snack bar in Area 8 were completely clean, without nests or previous residual nesting matter. Feces!
Area 9 & 7 findings. Buildings 9-131, 132, 133, 134, 135 had similar nesting locations as in Area 10. Nesting seemed primarily on the west sides in sheltered spots the same as in area 10. 9-132 9-131 9-134 9-133 9-135 Note: Active Nests refers only to INTACT nests. It was unknown at this time if there were actual Swallows present. This determination must be made by the DNR or Conservation Professionals. 7-172 7-135 Post Exchange Buildings 7-172, 73, 72, 71, 171, 135, 134, 133, 132, and 131 all had active nesting sites. 7-73 7-72 7-134 7-133 7-71 7-132 Contract Dining Facility 7-171 7-131
2016 Efforts Prior to the arrival of swallows at Camp Ripley, the IPMC held a meeting with all concerned parties to determine early season strategies. In mid-march, a cleaning contractor began to pressure wash all residual nests and nesting materials from the 2015 season. Additional spike strips were installed and five (5) gallons of a silicone based anti-graffiti paint were purchased to test its effectiveness in discouraging nest building. Swallows returned to Camp Ripley the last week of April and nest removal was being conducted throughout the summer by CRTC interns (nests were being evaluated by DNR prior to removal to ensure no young or eggs are present).
Early Spring: 1 During Summer: 2 Survey all occupied buildings for recent nesting and remove prior to June 15 th. Ensure exclusionary equipment is in place (Nixalite or similar product.) Do NOT disturb swallows with young! Continue to install exclusionary equipment in areas birds have not nested that season No removal will occur between 15 June and 1 September. Remove droppings in all locations. Recommended Seasonal Actions for the Management of Swallows Early Fall: 3 During Winter: 4 Survey all occupied buildings and remove any and all nests after 1 September. No Chemical treatments are authorized or affective for Swallows. Continue installing Nixalite (or anti-graffiti paint if successfully tested). No nesting should be occurring during winter months. Spot check billeting areas during winter for any remaining nests and remove. All removal should be done after 1 September (but before freezing weather sets in).