west nile virus

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Larry A Kronemeyer
Posts: 500
Joined: Mon May 22, 2006 5:27 pm
Location: Illinois/Millstadt

It seems west Nile virus was found in birds in a nearby community. Spraying has begun in that community. I understand my village is considering spraying also, even though WNV has not been found (yet) locally.
My colony is smack dab in the middle of the nestling stage. Will spraying harm my nestlings? Or should I fear WNV more?
Larry and Judy Kronemeyer
est. 1999
1-12 compartment Trendsetter and 8 gourds(crescents)
12 gourd rack (crescents)
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Chuck4
Posts: 861
Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 10:05 am
Location: North MS
Martin Colony History: I started trying to attract Purple Martins in 2011. I got my first breeding pair in 2013.

2013-1 pair, 2014-4 pair, 2015-8 pair, 2016-12 pair 60 babies :-).

I think they will be spraying to kill the mosquitos. Odds are it won't harm the young martins, unless they are really close to the spray source. I've never noticed a real decrease in mosquito activity after they have sprayed in my area. It makes me wonder just how effective spraying really is.
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Brad
Posts: 23
Joined: Mon May 18, 2015 10:12 am
Location: Duck Lake SK

West Nile Spraying to my understanding does not kill the Mosquito. It will make the Mosquito's sterile so they will not be able to reproduce. I believe the spray is mainly intended for the Mosquito Larvae but I may be wrong. Your Martins should be fine to my knowledge.

Brad
Larry A Kronemeyer
Posts: 500
Joined: Mon May 22, 2006 5:27 pm
Location: Illinois/Millstadt

Thanks Chuck and Brad
Spraying hasn't started yet. This weekend is a town picnic and I would guess that's why spraying is being considered.
We've lost some nestlings to cold and sy' s, hate to lose more to poisoning.
Good to know it probably isn't an issue.
Larry and Judy Kronemeyer
est. 1999
1-12 compartment Trendsetter and 8 gourds(crescents)
12 gourd rack (crescents)
Member PMCA
Chuck4
Posts: 861
Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 10:05 am
Location: North MS
Martin Colony History: I started trying to attract Purple Martins in 2011. I got my first breeding pair in 2013.

2013-1 pair, 2014-4 pair, 2015-8 pair, 2016-12 pair 60 babies :-).

Brad wrote:West Nile Spraying to my understanding does not kill the Mosquito. It will make the Mosquito's sterile so they will not be able to reproduce. I believe the spray is mainly intended for the Mosquito Larvae but I may be wrong. Your Martins should be fine to my knowledge.

Brad

I am pretty certain they are spraying to kill the mosquitos. :wink: The problem is that it kills other insects too, not just mosquitos. And yes it can negatively impact birds too unfortunately. But it just doesn't seem to reduce the numbers of mosquitos over all in my opinion. But the negative impact of the pesticide is still there.


http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/spring03false.html
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