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A REMINDER FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Residents should not permit pets (cat, dog or other domestic animal) to run at large upon any public place or on the premises of another.
A REMINDER FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Residents should not permit pets (cat, dog or other domestic animal) to run at large upon any public place or on the premises of another.
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WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY GRASS CLIPPINS?
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If you're bagging your grass clippings you're not doing your back or the environment any favors! If you use a lawn mower that has a mulching blade, leave the grass clippings lay on the ground for a greener, healthier yard.
With all of the rain that we've been getting our grass has been growing non-stop. Rather than bagging all of those grass clippings, leave the clippings lay on your lawn. It is best to mow frequently so that the large amounts of leaf and grass residue do not remain on the surface of the turf.
Grass clippings are a natural fertilizer for our grass since they contain a large number of the nutrients our lawn needs to keep looking healthy. Don't waste your money on expensive lawn fertilizers. Reduce your yard work and yard waste all while saving water (grass clippings are 85% water). In the end, you'll have greener grass AND a wallet with more green in it!
If you're bagging your grass clippings you're not doing your back or the environment any favors! If you use a lawn mower that has a mulching blade, leave the grass clippings lay on the ground for a greener, healthier yard.
With all of the rain that we've been getting our grass has been growing non-stop. Rather than bagging all of those grass clippings, leave the clippings lay on your lawn. It is best to mow frequently so that the large amounts of leaf and grass residue do not remain on the surface of the turf.
Grass clippings are a natural fertilizer for our grass since they contain a large number of the nutrients our lawn needs to keep looking healthy. Don't waste your money on expensive lawn fertilizers. Reduce your yard work and yard waste all while saving water (grass clippings are 85% water). In the end, you'll have greener grass AND a wallet with more green in it!
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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
EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2011, THE HUMANE SOCIETY WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT FERAL CATS. They are endorsing the TNR (trap-neuter-return) program as the best way to handle the feral cat problem. PAWS conducts TNR clinics at our Public Safety Building on a monthly to bimonthly basis.
PAWS operates these free spay/neuter clinics for homeless cats in order to humanely reduce the number of unowned or free-roaming cats in our region. By utilizing this program, residents can eliminate many of the nuisance behaviors of cats in their neighborhoods and on their properties such as reproducing, fighting, spraying and mating. This allows their numbers to decline naturally over time. A PAWS volunteer can offer advice and guidance on trapping cats for TNR. Residents may click on the following link to go directly to the on-line scheduler for these appointments.
For more information on TNR, you may check the PAWS website at www.pawsofpa.org, or call 717-957-8122, Box #3.
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
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.
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
EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2011, THE HUMANE SOCIETY WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT FERAL CATS. They are endorsing the TNR (trap-neuter-return) program as the best way to handle the feral cat problem. PAWS conducts TNR clinics at our Public Safety Building on a monthly to bimonthly basis.
PAWS operates these free spay/neuter clinics for homeless cats in order to humanely reduce the number of unowned or free-roaming cats in our region. By utilizing this program, residents can eliminate many of the nuisance behaviors of cats in their neighborhoods and on their properties such as reproducing, fighting, spraying and mating. This allows their numbers to decline naturally over time. A PAWS volunteer can offer advice and guidance on trapping cats for TNR. Residents may click on the following link to go directly to the on-line scheduler for these appointments.
For more information on TNR, you may check the PAWS website at www.pawsofpa.org, or call 717-957-8122, Box #3.
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
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.
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