GRAND ISLAND — For the 20th-straight year, the City of Grand Island is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to treat and reduce the local starling population using DRC–1339, with the treatment being applied during the week of January 20-24.
The chemical used is bird-specific and is not expected to harm any other animal (other than the target species). The targeted birds will expire 24 to 36 hours after consuming the treated feed and will often be found near the bird’s roosting locations.
The use of this chemical is only effective during the fall and winter months when large flocks consistently feed in one location. During the spring and summer months, the birds are less likely to congregate in large numbers as the birds feed in local fields and on grain and insects, making treatment applications nearly impossible.
If residents should find deceased starlings, it is okay to dispose of the birds in trash containers. The USDA recommends using gloves or a bag when picking the starlings up.
Many residents have voiced concerns regarding noise and filth nuisances related to the starlings, but of most concern is the health nuisance caused from the droppings of the birds. Starlings can spread anything from salmonella, West Nile Virus and E. coli, and they can also perpetuate a fungus soil known as Histoplasmosis. This is the only successful known treatment option for this nuisance.
For more information, please reach out to Communications Manager Spencer Schubert at spencers@grand-island.com<mailto:spencers@grand-island.com>.
