Date:         Thu, 15 Aug 2002 07:37:33 EDT
Reply-To:     Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
Sender:       Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
From:         Rick Sussman <Warblerick@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: advice sought: bird feeders in apartment complex
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In a message dated 8/14/2002 7:07:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
dcr@ASTRO.UMD.EDU writes:


> As a preventative measure
> regarding pest control, we kindly ask that residents refrain from feeding
> birds, squirrels or any wildlife on the property." I was hoping to solicit
> opinions from this knowledgable group about whether this is a reasonable
> request.
>

Derek,
 The pest control that the management company is talking about regards the
control of rats, not birds. Many homeowners/apartment dwellers who feed birds
will use a standard mixed type bird seed available from the grocery store,
which has a rather large percentage of "waste" seed in it (ie; red millet,
flax, cracked corn, etc.) which birds find disagreeable and which they
kick/peck out of the feeder and onto the ground. This in turn will attract
rats, especially around apartments where they live.
 If you are using a high quality bird seed, (try all black oil sunflower
seed) you should have no problem with rodents, as the birds will eat it all,
and waste on the ground will be eliminated. Also, you should be cleaning up
beneath the feeders regularly, to get rid of bird feces which can also
attract rats.
 Even following these procedures, you will likely have to give up bird
feeding rather than face the wrath of the management company, who can levy
fines or worse...

Rick Sussman
Ashton,MD
warblerick@aol.com

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