HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Health Department is responsible for all restaurant inspections and their yearly licensure. The inspection of all facilities is done utilizing the Garrison System which is also used by the Department of Agriculture. This process allows the public to view inspection results online at www.agriculture.state.pa.us. Click Online Services and then again on Food Safety.
Property maintenance issues (nuisance calls) are also handled in the Health Department. Complaints regarding high grass and weeds, salvage, trash/trash service, swimming pools/ponds, animals running at large and/or befouling, and vehicles can be forwarded to the Health Department for their investigation. If warranted, a Notice of Violation and subsequent Citation may be issued.
Additional duties include the inspection of massage salons, issuing of pigeon permits and vehicle storage permits, loaning traps for control of animal wildlife, overseeing the recycling programs for cell phones and CFL bulbs, and the sale of trash bags and recycle bins for residential waste pickup.
The Humane Society (www.humanesocietyhbg.org) is also the responsibility of the Health Department. This contract allows any resident to surrender stray animals without paying a fee to the shelter. Family pets that are surrendered are not covered under this contract.
HUMANE SOCIETY UPDATE
The Township does not currently have a contract with the Humane Society. The Humane Society cannot accept strays from Swatara Township residents without charging a fee. The Township is currently in negotiaions with the Humane Society. Please contact the Humane Society at 564-3320 for current surrender fees.
RECYCLING CONTAINER INFORMATION
A new resident in Swatara Twp will be issued one container. Additional containers are $15.00. If your container is lost, damaged or stolen, there will be a $15.00 charge to replace it.
If you choose to use your own container you may obtain a recycle sticker at the Township Building at no charge. All recycle containers must be properly labeled “RECYCLING”.
Lids are available for your recycling container. There is a fee of $5.00 per lid.
TRASH BAGS
Trash bags are available for $ 3.50 each and are good for the current solid waste contract which expires on December 31, 2012.
LIVING WITH WILDLIFE
Skunks are common throughout Pennsylvania. As many as 2 to 50 skunks can populate a square mile area. They like to den in warm and dry burrows and prefer slopes for their den sites due to good drainage. They typically feed on insects, small rodents and reptiles. They favor grubs and bees. However, if there is a food source available they will be drawn to this.
- When feeding birds use bird feeders high off the ground so as not to attract the skunks or other wildlife.
- Do not feed your pet outside if you can avoid doing so. Do not leave any food sit out overnight.
- Pet cats should be kept inside and not allowed to roam freely. If your pet cat is trapped on someone else's property they will be instructed to take the cat to the Humane Society.
- Put bags of garbage in cans and then seal with a tight lid to prevent the odors from attracting wildlife.
Most skunks are not afraid of people or domestic animals so it is very likely to see them during the hours of dusk to dawn. Practice damage control to keep them from moving in on your property.
- Keep skunks from denning under buildings by sealing off all foundation openings including sheds, decks, patios, porches and swimming pool foundations.
- Cover all openings with wire mesh, sheet metal, concrete or stone.
- Bury fencing 11/2 to 2 feet in areas where skunks could gain access by digging.
- Skunks can be excluded from window wells or similar pits with mesh fencing or fiberglass domes.
- Remove debris such as lumber, brush piles, fence posts and junk vehicles that can provide shelter for skunks.
- Wood piles should be at least 6" off the ground.
Skunks are usually docile and will only defend itself when feeling threatened. Signs of aggression could be consistent with rabies. If your pet encounters a skunk and there is physical altercation call the Police Department. If there is a possibility the skunk is rabid it will need to be tested by the PA Department of Agriculture. The only way to test positively for rabies is to examine the dead animal's brain for the infection. If there is human exposure the PA Game Commission needs to be notified and file a report. Other signs of rabies, other than aggressive behavior would be lethargic, walking in a circle, acting confused and drunk-like. Just seeing a skunk in daylight is not an indicator of rabies.
If you are having issues with wildlife report this information to the Township Health Department, 564-2551, and we will provide you with information for a licensed wildlife exterminator.
Nuisance Wildlife, Summerdale, 717-732-8099
Ehrlich Pest Control, Harrisburg, 717-238-9590
S & S Wildlife Control Services, Hbg. 717-540-9042