North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Jwlehman@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/2/2004 8:46:49 PM US Eastern Standard Time, dford@suffolk.lib.ny.us writes:

> The argument that keeping birds around serves as an attractant to mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus is absurd.  -  Dylan


Hello Dylan,

You must be in an area where Purple Martins and especially Barn Swallows don't exist. It is my observation that Barn Swallows here do an excellent job of controlling mosquitoes around my home and several acres.  I have a barn which I have nailed small pieces of wood to the roof joists inside that they can attach their mud & fiber nests. The doors are kept open that they can fly completely through. Even with horses only five feet below their nests, right now there are over a dozen nests, last year 15. They swoop and dive catching flying insects, they follow us when mowing, flying close to the ground catching insects the mower stirred up.  Mosquitoes are not a problem here until the swallows begin their migration south in late August. Saw many of them in Costa Rico last January. Within two weeks after they have departed mosquitoes are a real problem and we must use repellent to go outside. 

Sad to say I've heard of people shooting Barn Swallows with shot guns because they don't understand their diving at cats, squirrels and humans if they come close to an area where they nest. I've been around them all my live, have been dived at hundreds of times and have never yet been hit or pooped upon. It is fun to watch cats trying to catch them mid air as they are dived at, snapping their beaks as they pass. 

Yes, they will build nests under the gables of homes and are messy because the young poop out of the nests and it isn't pretty when the nest is on the front porch. My experience is they are worth their weight in gold for mosquito control and cleaning up their mess is a small price to pay for their benefit. It is fun to watch them drink from our 1.5 acre pond while on the fly. They drop their lower beak, skim over the water about 1/2 inch and scoop up a drink.  

Folks, don't break down their nests and close garage doors to keep them out. Welcome them with open arms. Clean up after them and if you are fortunate enough to have a flock such as we with over a dozen nests you will see fewer mosquitoes.  

Jerry Lehman
Terre Haute, IN