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 malla rds (Anas platyrhynchos) from pools of water in pen tests, and/or free -ranging gulls (Larus delawarensis and L. argentatus) from pools of wa ter in field trials for 4-11 days. With one exception, pool entries an d 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) whe n 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. Thes e tests indicate that MA-based formulations might have utility at airp orts and perhaps other locations where it is desirable to reduce bird activity in temporary pools of water.