APS Services
RAPTOR PATROLS
Raptor based bird control is a natural and sustainable technique that is part of the balance of nature; it is chemical-free, non-polluting, cruelty free pest bird control without the use of any poisons. This system works because birds are inherently terrified of raptors, and they never grow accustomed to raptors. If birds are stressed, they stop breeding and usually leave the area of their own free will and do not return readily, removing the pest birds. Thus raptor patrol involves professionals who fly their birds of prey to scare away pest birds, providing an answer to the frequently asked question of “how to get rid of pest birds”.
The raptors (Harris hawks) are flown under constant supervision in and around the affected areas after dark with artificial lighting. This scares the birds during their roosting time and unsettles them and when performed regularly the birds will vacate to new roosting areas. This proves the most effective of all removal methods as the birds find their roosting territory under threat and it is natural for the entire flock to move their roost and not to return, providing for an eco-friendly pest control solution.
TRAPPING
Walk in traps can be set in areas out of public view to aid in the control of the problem birds in conjunction with raptor patrols. The traps are humane and serviced daily.
Birds are lured to the trap with the use of grains, and once they have grown accustomed to entering and leaving the trap, the trap is set to catch them. They have access to food, water and shelter while in the traps, which are cleared on a daily basis. Ensuring that all their basic needs are met allowing for anti-cruelty and humane trapping of pigeons and other pest birds. Birds are removed from the site in a small covered transport box, so as not to be viewed by the public or staff of the institution.
SMALL ANIMAL TRAPPING
Stray or feral cats (domesticated cats gone wild) are ill-equipped to survive on their own and live a difficult life. Humane trapping and removal of these cats is the best solution to control unwanted animals. After the cats are trapped they are delivered to the SPCA where can be re-homed. A fee for each cat is paid to the SPCA in return for caring for the cats.
APS is also willing to trap feral cats whose owners require them to be neutered and returned to the premises.
Ferral cats rarely live more than 2-3 years, whereas house cats can live up to 15 years. The truth is that many feral cats survive on garbage, and more often than not, human handouts. It is a sad sight to see ferral cats and their kittens hungry, freezing and filled with fleas. Furthermore, stary cats can spread disease and parasites, and make a stink with their mating spray, and noise with their fighting and mating. Most cat problems involve cases of overpopulations of cats in public areas and they become a dirty, unhealthy nuisance. Stray cats also hunt and kill local wildlife and can out-compete other native wildlife, or cause them disease.
CULLING
Culling is a last resort but sometimes necessary intervention as an effective short-term solution to remove pest birds. A pre-charged pellet gun is used as the charge can be adjusted to suite the specific conditions. In circumstances where it is not safe for the raptor patrols to be conducted or impossible for traps to be set shooting will be employed.
The practice of the shooting of pest birds amounts to the humane culling of pest birds. All birds culled in such a manner are utilized directly for feeding schemes for raptor rehabilitation.