jiffy mart disc
   
   
By Roy Madden,
Executive Director,
Henryetta Chamber of Commerce
Some structures on Henryetta's Main Street are and have been experiencing the intrusion of pigeons in and around their businesses.
The infiltration of these birds are not only annoying and messy; they pose multiple health hazards to those who come in contact with them and their nesting areas. 
pigeon
 pigeon-nest Diseases such as, Ornithosis (or psittacosis; commonly called parrot-fever) is found in pigeons, the population of which may serve as a vast reservoir for the organism.  Cryptococcosis is another disease caused by a fungus found in pigeon droppings that may infect humans. 
Dermatitis can be caused by bird mites living on the pigeon that often migrate from the nests and bite people.
Many people think this bird is protected by state and/or federal regulations; this is far from the truth ‚Äì they are considered a nuisance and neither the bird, its nest, nor its habitat are protected. 
If building owners have a pigeon issue it is normally caused by the host building or surrounding buildings providing nesting habit and/or food sources. 
Your Chamber of Commerce recommends that building owners conduct the following actions:
#1 - Inspect the structure for bird access points and close off any point of entry area.
#2 – Even small areas like a missing brick on the exterior wall allows for nesting.
#3 ‚Äì As nests develop remove them as quickly as possible; nests are produced every two weeks (one female can produce 15 to 20 offspring per year and have multiple nests).  
#4 ‚Äì Remove any food source in and around you building that you control.  
#5 – Identify adjacent structures that are presenting habitat for the pigeons and work with the neighboring owner to correct the problem or request assistance from the City of Henryetta's Code Enforcement (Jody Agee 918-652-3348).
#6 ‚Äì Oklahoma Fish & Game can refer businesses to approved wildlife control professionals that can help abate the pigeons from your building.  
Businesses may also want to work with the City of Henryetta to develop a comprehensive approach to pigeon control that may include more strict code development and enforcement.  However, remember good pigeon control means that the building owner needs take the responsibility their structure if it is pigeon habitat or providing a food source.