About FASTT

13 - Pest/Weed Control

Aqua Heat Machine

FASTT identified 7 activities which could make use of this new technology. An example recommendation follows:

Pest Control is responsible for applying pesticides and herbicides on base. They remove weeds from 35 miles of fence and 57 miles of railroad tracks. They also spray around buildings. The two certified personnel spend approximately 60 hours per month controlling insects and spray herbicides yearly. The amount of pesticides and herbicides can be reduced by as much as 50% with use of an Aqua-Heat machine, which destroys weeds and controls insects by use of a timed application of very hot water under pressure.

Bird Repellents

Gulls and Geese are nuisance problems at the activity. Bird droppings are a noted eyesore and there is the potential of bird communicated diseases. Explored methods include pyrotechnics, harassment's, dogs, hawks, kites and the reduction of grassy areas.

Pigeons and sparrows inhabit aircraft hangars and their droppings are a potential health hazard as well as a cleaning and maintenance problem. Instituting an owl imprint program at each hangar would eliminate these problems. Owl droppings are solid, non-acidic and can easily be swept and disposed, and because owls are nocturnal, their presence should not be obtrusive. Annual savings is estimated to be $113,432.

Boat repair is conducted in an open thru bay facility. During non-working hours and at night, pigeons roost in the open ceiling trusses. Their droppings cover the entire floor area and the boats being repaired. This poses an irritation as well as potential health hazard. Several types of bird repellents are available, including sticky repellent, psychedelic bird repellers, high frequency ultrasound waves generator, rollup/down doors for the building, and a smooth drop ceiling that would eliminate places for the birds to perch. The sticky repellant and the drop ceiling have been effective in other buildings and at other sites. Estimated saving from using a sticky solution, based on installation costs, and the time it takes to remove the pigeon droppings manually every year, is $16,640.