METHYL ANTHRANILATE FORMULATIONS REPEL GULLS AND MALLARDS FROM WATER

Two formulations of methyl anthranilate (MA), one (ReJex-iT(TM) TP-40 [TP-40]) containing a surfactant, the other (ReJex-iT(TM) AP-50 [AP-50]) a miscible, free-flowing powder, effectively repelled captive mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) from pools of water in pen tests, and/or free-ranging gulls (Larus delawarensis and L. argentatus) from pools of water in field trials for 4-11 days. With one exception, pool entries and bill contacts with water were reduced (p less than or equal to 0.02) in pools treated with both formulations compared with untreated pools. Overall gull activity was reduced (p less than or equal to 0.01) when all available water was treated with AP-50. Effectiveness of TP-40 (v/v) was similar to the previously reported effectiveness of powdered formulations where MA concentrations were 1.6-3.0 times (gig) greater, a consequence of the surfactant concentrating MA at the surface. These tests indicate that MA-based formulations might have utility at airports and perhaps other locations where it is desirable to reduce bird activity in temporary pools of water.