Swallow Bug and Swallow Management

Melina TyeArmy National Guard

Pest Management Consultant

Conservation(ARNG-IEN)

703-601-8275melina.k.tye.civ@mail.mil

Minnesota Swallow Management Program

Provided by: Zac Alexander, IPMCMinnesota Army National Guard

Facilities Management Office - Environmental 15000 Hwy 115, Camp Ripley

Little Falls, MN 56345Phone: (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 BugsBackground:

• 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 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 Bug Bed Bug

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 2016Who: 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

http://www.nixalite.com/nixalitemodels.aspx

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.

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

ActionRecommended Season Locations Who?

Spot check habitable rooms (for Swallow Bugs Only)

Continuous and Year Round. All Housing and Guest Housing Areas (interior)

Housing, residents,or room service

Survey all Camp Ripley structures; Remove all new nests, nests in progress etc.

During Summer Months (with DNR oversight)

All Building Exteriors in Cantonment and Down Range (as feasible)

IPMC, Safety & Health Officer,

Contract cleaners, Interns

Ensure no remaining nests are present

After September 1st and through winter until June 15th.

All Building Exteriors in Cantonment and Down Range

ContractCleaners

Increase use and install Nixalite® on all Camp Ripley Structures. (as funding permits)

Early Spring (prior to June 15th) and anytime after September 1st.

Under eaves and entries of all affected buildings on Camp Ripley

Contracted Services or in house (DPW)

Clean all bird droppings. Year Round as Feasible (continuous monitoring)

All training area structures and occupied buildings.

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.

AfterBefore

Summary & Future Recommendations

• In addition to spike strips and anti-graffiti 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…

• 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.

Swallow Bug and Swallow Resources:

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 NestsBelow: Barn Swallow Nests

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: Identification

• 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).Cliff Swallow

State laws vary. This is based on MN regulations.

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 1st

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).

10-142

10-139

10-140

10-14110-145

10-146

10-137

10-138

10-143

10-144

All the guest quarters around the snack bar in Area 8 were completely clean, without nests or

previous residual nesting matter.

Buildings 10-86, 10-172, 10-171, 10-3 & 10-2 all

have ‘active nests’ mostly on the west side

under window eaves.

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

Area 10 & 8

findings.

Feces!

9-132

9-1339-131

9-134

9-135

7-135

7-134

7-133

7-132

7-131

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.

7-171

7-71

7-72

7-73

7-172

Buildings 7-172, 73, 72, 71, 171, 135, 134, 133, 132, and 131 all had ‘active nesting’

sites.

Contract Dining Facility

Post Exchange

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.

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:

• Survey all occupied buildings for recent nesting and remove prior to June 15th.

• Ensure exclusionary equipment is in place (Nixalite or similar product.)

During Summer:

• 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.

Early Fall:

• 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).

During Winter:

• 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).

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3 4

Recommended Seasonal Actions for the Management of Swallows