Wildlife control

Summary

The request sought details on wildlife control methods, kill counts, and nest destruction at Manx Care and DOI premises since 2016. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the specific methods used for health and safety reasons but stated it does not record the requested statistical data on numbers of animals killed or nests destroyed.

Key Facts

• Wildlife control is primarily conducted for health and safety reasons, including disease prevention and fire risk reduction.
• Methods used include rodent trapping/baiting, insecticide (excluding bees), and bird control via egg replacement, netting, proofing, and scaring devices.
• Culling is rarely employed and only used as a last resort under a licence from the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture.
• The Department does not record information at the level of detail required to provide annual kill numbers or species breakdowns.
• Bird scaring apparatus is used when other methods are not practicable for specific buildings.

Data Disclosed

• 2016
• 2021-07-07
• 2021-07-14
• 1889045

Original Request

What means of wildlife control have been used at Noble's hospital and other Manx Care buildings/ premises since 2016? What means of wildlife control have been used at other premises by, on behalf of or under the instruction of of the DOI since 2016? What are the numbers of birds or animals killed each year? Please give a breakdown by species. How many nests have been destroyed or eggs oiled, destroyed or removed? Have any bird scaring apparatus been used, and if so what is their justification?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Department of Infrastructure Sea Terminal Building, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RF

Contact: FOI Response Team/RH/HG Telephone: (01624) 686785 Email: dpo-doi@gov.im

Our ref: 1889045 13 July 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 7 July 2021 and which states (sic):

"1. What means of wildlife control have been used at Noble's hospital and other Manx Care buildings/ premises since 2016? 2. What means of wildlife control have been used at other premises by, on behalf of or under the instruction of of the DOI since 2016? 3. What are the numbers of birds or animals killed each year? Please give a breakdown by species. 4. How many nests have been destroyed or eggs oiled, destroyed or removed? Have any bird scaring apparatus been used, and if so what is their justification?"

The answers to your question are as follows: 1. The Department uses or procures various methods of wildlife control at the sites for which it is responsible, which includes Noble’s hospital and other Manx Care buildings/premises, for reasons relating primarily to health and safety – for example to prevent transmission of disease or attacks on building occupants or to reduce fire risks. One or more of the following means are utilised depending upon the nature of the building and the practicality of the method: a. Rodent control – trapping, baiting b. Insect control (with the exception of bees) – insecticide c. Bird control – egg replacement, netting, proofing, scaring (ultrasonic), and deterrent devices (‘bird spiders’). Culling is rarely employed as a last resort and is carried out under licence from the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture. 2. The same methods indicated in answer 1. above are used at any sites where the Department provides wildlife control. 3. The Department does not record information at the level of detail which would allow it to answer this question.

1. As in answer 3. the Department does not record figures at this level of detail.
   Bird scaring apparatus is sometimes used, for reasons relating primarily to health and safety – for example to prevent transmission of disease or attacks on building occupants or to reduce fire risks. The justification for using this is for health and safety reasons and depending upon the nature of the building – for example where other methods are not practicable.

Please quote the reference number 1889045 in any future communications.

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FOI Response Team