The label is the law. Rates and restrictions below are taken from the product labels listed under Sources. Your product's own label governs; read it before you mix or apply. Mixing calculator · Disclaimer
- Active ingredient
- Nicarbazin
- Chemical class
- Avian reproduction inhibitor. The label says it reduces egg hatchability and will harm other aspects of reproduction in all bird species.[1]
- Mode of action
- Egg-hatchability reducer: birds that eat it daily keep laying, but fewer eggs hatch; it has no IRAC insecticide group[1]
- Signal word
- OvoControl P Ready-to-Use Bait: Caution[1]
Protecting other birds
Never put out more bait than the target birds will eat at one feeding, and watch the site to confirm only pigeons are coming in. Stop if other birds or animals keep feeding and you can't prevent it.[1]
Don't use it where federally listed threatened or endangered birds could eat it. Feeding treated bait to protected species on purpose violates state and federal law.[1]
Where it can be used
Outdoors only, on rooftops or flat paved or concrete surfaces at places such as hospitals, schools, apartments, shopping malls, airports and rail yards. In California it is labeled for pigeons only.[1]
Where it is used
Start by conditioning the flock with cracked corn or other grain, about 1 pound per 80 birds daily, until pigeons return to the same site each morning. Give up on a site that won't condition within 30 days.[1]
Then blend OvoControl into the pre-bait, raising its share over 2 to 4 weeks until no pre-bait remains. Spread it once a day, shortly after dawn, by automatic feeder or by hand.[1]
Feeding must continue every day through the whole breeding season, which can last all year. The daily dose should be fully eaten within 15 minutes.[1]
Leftover bait means birds aren't eating it reliably. Clean it up and restart conditioning with pre-bait.[1]
Products and registrations
| Product | Registrant | EPA Reg. No. | Active % | Formulation | Signal word |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OvoControl P Ready-to-Use Bait[1] | Innolytics, LLC | 80224-1 | 0.5% | ready-to-use bait | Caution |
Label rates
| Product | Use | Pests | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| OvoControl P Ready-to-Use Bait | Flat rooftops or other flat paved or concrete surfaces at commercial, institutional, residential and industrial sites | Feral pigeons (rock doves) | 0.2 oz bait per pigeon per day[1] That's 5 grams per bird each day: 8 ounces feeds 40 pigeons and 1 pound feeds 80. Adjust the daily amount as the flock count changes. |
| OvoControl P Ready-to-Use Bait | Same sites; resident flocks only | European starlings, blackbirds, grackles, cowbirds and mynas | 4–10 oz bait per 100 birds per day[1] Guidance doses per 100 birds: 8 oz for starlings and blackbirds, 10 oz for grackles and mynas, 4 oz for cowbirds. Not for migratory flocks. |
Safety and environmental hazards
People
Signal word CAUTION: causes moderate eye irritation. Wear protective eyewear, long sleeves, long pants, socks, shoes and gloves, and wash with soap and water after handling.[1]
Pets
Applicators must make sure children and pets don't contact the bait. It may only be used in secured areas with limited public access or under the applicator's direct watch.[1]
Bees and pollinators
No bee or pollinator statement appears on the label. Its non-target concerns are other birds that might eat leftover bait.[1]
Fish and water
Don't apply directly to water or where surface water is present, and keep bait at least 20 feet from lakes, ponds, rivers and other water. Avoid spots where water collects.[1]
Common questions
- Does nicarbazin kill pigeons?
- The label describes it only as reducing egg hatchability: birds fed it as directed may keep laying, but the hatch rate is reduced.[1]
- How much OvoControl do pigeons need?
- Multiply the estimated number of pigeons by 0.2 ounces (5 grams). That's the daily amount, applied once each morning.[1]
- Can I use OvoControl P on geese?
- No. Geese are not on this label; it covers pigeons, starlings, blackbirds, grackles, cowbirds and mynas.[1]
Sources
- U.S. EPA Pesticide Product Label System, “OvoControl P Ready-to-Use Bait label, EPA Reg. No. 80224-1 (EPA-stamped, Sept. 9, 2022).” www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/080224-00001-20220909.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)