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Protecting Birds �from Pesticides�presented by�Marion Yaglinski

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Logistics

  • Please mute!
  • Please add your questions to the chat box. They will be answered at the end of our meeting.
  • The meeting will be recorded.
  • A Toolkit will be available afterwards.
  • Thank you for your help in making this a positive and successful workshop.

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Our Presenter: Marion Yaglinski

  • Retired from a 40-year career in professional nursing
  • Co-founder of Transition Town Greater Media (2009)
  • Initiated and Chair of the Transition Town Greater Media’s Biodiversity Group
  • Master Gardener since 2003, now emeritus
  • Blogs twice a month on climate crisis and biodiversity issues
  • Member of a local climate crisis committee
  • Working on raising awareness about Rights of Nature law
  • Passionate about climate crisis issues
  • Avid native plant gardener and dedicated to protecting Nature.

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Pesticides

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The Pesticide Problem

  • 67 million birds killed every year
  • Used in public spaces, on lawns, in gardens
  • Used by homeowners and landscapers
  • Harmful to birds, insects, aquatic life, pets, children, adults

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Types of Pesticides

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  • Herbicides
  • Fungicides
  • Rodenticides
  • Insecticides

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Common Pesticides

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  • Neonicotinides (neonics)
  • Glyphosate
  • Carbaryl
  • Permethrins
  • Rodenticides

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Pesticides harm birds by:�

 

  • Killing them

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  • Killing insects

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  • Contaminating or killing plants

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  • Accumulating in prey raptors eat

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  • Suppressing the immune system

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  • Reducing chick weight

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  • Thinning eggshells

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Systemic Pesticides

  • Penetrate plant stems, leaves, pollen, nectar, and fruits
  • Imidacloprid is used as a seed coating
  • Absorbed by plants

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Neonicotinides (neonics)

  • Extensively used systemic insecticide
  • Sold as Imidacloprid
  • Toxic to insects
  • Remains in groundwater, ponds, lakes, and streams
  • Lethal if ingested

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Glyphosate (Roundup)

  • Commonly used herbicide
  • Leaches into groundwater, streams and ponds
  • Highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates
  • Some birds rely on aquatic invertebrates

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Carbaryl�

  • Carbamate insecticide
  • Brand name Sevin
  • Severe effects on human health and birds
  • Used on lawns, green spaces, and crops
  • Exposure can cause neurological effects

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Permethrin

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  • Used extensively
  • AKA Sumethrin, Resmethrin, Deltamethrin,

Prallethrin, Etofenprox

  • Highly toxic
  • Runoff contaminates surface waters

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Permethrin

  • Possible human carcinogen
  • Exposure by touching, eating, or inhaling spray mist
  • Skin contact can cause tingling, itching, burning, or numbness
  • Inhaling can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs

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Mosquito Spraying

  • Kills only 10% of adult mosquitoes

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  • Kills caterpillars and other insects
  • Contaminates plants
  • Drifts to neighboring properties

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Permethrin

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Especially toxic to cats

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Pesticides used for Mosquito Spraying

  • Permethrins (synthetic): Sumethrin, Resmethrin, Deltamethrin, Prallethrin, Etofenprox

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  • Pyrethrins (plant derived)

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  • Organophosphates: Malathion: Naled

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Natural Mosquito Control

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How to eliminate mosquitoes without harming wildlife, pets and humans

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Natural Mosquito Control��

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Mosquito Dunks

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Recommended by Doug Tallamy

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�How to use Mosquito Dunks

  • Two 5 gallon buckets for 1/3 acre

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  • Fill bucket with water, add shredded leaves or grass clippings, add mosquito dunk

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  • Cover bucket with netting or chicken wire

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  • Begin using dunks in March. Add a new dunk every month

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  • Use dunks until temperatures are below 50 degrees

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�Share this news!�

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Natural Mosquito Control�

  • Remove old tires, cans, buckets, and pots
  • Drain potted plant saucers 
  • Turn plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows upside-down
  • Change birdbath water every three days
  • Remove obstructions from downspouts

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Natural Mosquito Control

  • Look for pools of water
  • Check tarps and boat covers
  • Keep pools chlorinated
  • Stock ponds with minnows

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Natural Mosquito Control

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Make or buy a bat house

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Natural Mosquito Control�

  • Invite toads and turtles
  • Plant natives
  • Plant herbs
  • No bug zappers!
  • Use suet

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�Add signs to your property��

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Natural Mosquito Control�\� How to protect yourself from bites

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  • Place netting on your garden hat
  • Use a fan
  • Use Repel lemon eucalyptus insect repellent

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Please share this information �with your neighbors.  �

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Gardening for Birds

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What You Can Do

  • No pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides
  • Plant natives
  • Check out Xerces Society’s guide
  • Ask your landscaper about chemicals

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  • Check Beyond Pesticide’s list of PA companies

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What You Can Do

  • Prevent weeds with corn gluten meal
  • Early and persistent weeding by hand
  • Pour boiling water on weeds

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Take Action!

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  • Learn about Rights of Nature law

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  • Contact legislators

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  • Urge legislators to enact laws

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Take Action!

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  • Pesticides harm and even kill our birds!
  • Know what pesticides are used on your property.
  • Stop spraying for mosquitoes.
  • Add signs to your yard.
  • Talk to your neighbors.
  • Join the campaign to end pesticide use.
  • Go to BeyondPesticides.org to learn more

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Please feel free to use this presentation to teach others about the dangers of pesticides.

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Thank You!��Marion Yaglinski�biodiversity@ttgmPA.org�