Do transfer stations attract birds, rats and flies?
Rodents (mice and rats), seagulls, flies, cockroaches and other insects are all considered vectors. The materials brought to a transfer station can serve as food sources for vectors. The most effective way to keep vectors from populating a transfer station is to avoid creating the conditions that attract them and that allow them to reproduce. A number of strategies are employed to accomplish this goal. Wastes are never stored for any extended periods of time and are typically packed up and shipped off-site by the end of each day. Access to the waste is limited by keeping it within the confines of the building and out of sight from birds. A web of monofilament fishing line is often constructed over the building entrances to discourage birds from flying in. Rat traps and bait boxes are placed at strategic locations. Habitat and hiding places such as bushes are kept back at least 20’ from the buildings so that rodents would have to run across open areas of asphalt to get to the building.
