A centuries-old estate on Suffolk’s South Shore has turned to nature, not chemicals, to battle pests—and it’s working.
The historic Manor of St. George has seen a dramatic decline in ticks and mosquitoes thanks to a robust and growing army of natural predators, including pheasants, wild turkeys, dragonflies, and even a surprise appearance by several peacocks. The 127-acre property, overlooking Bellport Bay in Mastic, has become a model for eco-friendly pest control on Long Island.
Earlier this spring, the manor released 150 pheasants into its fields and wooded areas. The birds, along with the estate’s large flock of native wild turkeys, are voracious consumers of ticks—a growing concern in Suffolk County due to the rise in Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses. They also plan to release 200 more pheasants this year, sourced from the Reynolds Farm in upstate Ithaca.
Overhead, purple martins nesting in specially designed birdhouses consume vast numbers of mosquitoes daily. Dragonflies, which also flourish in the Manor’s pesticide-free environment, add another layer of natural protection against mosquitoes and biting flies.
“We haven’t used pesticides here since the 1940s,” said John Scott Prudenti, a representative of the Manor’s trust. “These natural methods are not only safer, but they’re incredibly effective. The birds, the insects—they’re part of a working ecosystem that’s keeping this property healthy.”
Caretaker Bob DeVito said visitors often notice the difference. “People comment on how bug-free it feels, especially in summer. No greenflies, no blackflies—and that’s no accident,” he said.
Recently, a group of peacocks appeared, adding a splash of exotic beauty to the estate. They’ve joined their other feathered friends in keeping down the ticks, and eating slugs, grasshoppers, and grubs that can damage the landscape.
Beyond its environmental innovation, the Manor remains a landmark of historical significance. Founded in the 1600s by Col. William “Tangier” Smith, the estate became Fort St. George during the Revolutionary War and was famously retaken by Col. Benjamin Tallmadge’s troops in 1780. During World War I, it served as a rest and recreation site for soldiers from Camp Upton and a nearby airfield. Two cannons from the War of 1812 still face Bellport Bay from the estate’s expansive lawn.
Prudenti noted that while birds are effective, they face natural predators such as foxes and hawks. The Manor works with local organizations to manage other threats, particularly feral cats, through trap-neuter-return programs. “We’re protecting history—and the environment—all at once,” Prudenti said. “It’s a win for the past, the present, and the future.”
The Manor of St. George Museum and grounds, just off William Floyd Parkway, are open to the public Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.