Rodenticides & Wildlife

EPA-regulated rodenticides are important rodent management tools that must always be used properly to avoid harm to non-target animals, especially wildlife. Among the primary concerns about rodenticide impacts to wildlife are intentional and criminal misuse. Such incidents include intentionally misusing a product or deliberately harming non-target animals, including pets by poisoning meat. Illegal use can also lead to low-level detections of rodenticide product in wildlife – while not life threatening such detections demonstrate a need for more widely available user education.

THE LABEL IS THE LAW It is illegal to use EPA-regulated rodenticides in a manner inconsistent with the label.

 

 

 

EPA and state regulators recognize the benefits of rodenticides, but also the need to minimize potential harm to wildlife. The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use believes an integrated pest management program and educational outreach to product users will address regulator’s concerns and make a real difference in the field. Using the Think Wildlife program, we can ensure our food and wildlife are safe.

The biggest challenge in effectively controlling rodents is determining the size of the infestation and appropriate management tools. While most of us can easily eliminate a single mouse in the pantry with an old-fashioned snap trap, it is quite another matter to effectively control large populations where food, water and forage are plentiful. Such is the situation for those producing, storing and processing our nation’s food.

Think Wildlife

Think Wildlife is an integrated rodenticide management program designed especially for product users in agriculture and the food chain. Think Wildlife’s goal is to provide a management tool that helps prevent harm to non-target animals and wildlife while effectively managing rodents.

“Integrated Pest Management is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.” Food Quality Protection Act, 110 Stat. 1512 PUBLIC LAW 104-170, August 3, 1996.

The Think Wildlife Program

1. Always have a planned approach when using rodenticides

Before treatment begins, conduct a thorough survey of the infested site to ensure success when using rodenticides.

The survey should note any after-treatment cultural changes that could be made to reduce the attractiveness of the site to rodents. The goal is to eliminate sources of food, water and harborage. Cultural changes may include rodent-proofing buildings, removing rubbish and weeds, and increasing sanitary practices. However, the site should not be cleared before treatment since this will disturb the rodent population and make bait acceptance more difficult to achieve.

Obvious food sources, such as spilled grain, should be covered or made as inaccessible to rodents as conditions allow.

Use only EPA-registered rodenticides and always read and follow all label directions for use, storage and disposal. Rodenticide baits should be used only for as long as is necessary to achieve satisfactory rodent control. Long lasting control must also include permanent changes to the physical environment of rats and mice.

In most cases anticoagulant rodent baits will achieve control within 35 days. Should activity continue beyond this time, the likely cause should be investigated and recorded in your program notes. If bait continues to be consumed without effect, a more potent anticoagulant should be considered. If bait take by the rodents is poor relative to the apparent size of the infestation, consideration should be given to re-siting the bait points and possibly changing to another bait base, as well as making other cultural changes.

2. Always record quantity of bait used and where it is placed

Draw a simple site plan or create a location list identifying areas of particular concern to the infested site. The drawing or list should be retained in your program notes.

Maintain written records of all bait points and the amount of bait placed at each point during treatment. Rodent activity should be noted at each bait point, including any missing or disturbed baits, as treatment progresses.

3. Always use enough baiting points

Follow all label instructions regarding the size and frequency of bait points and the advice given regarding the frequency and number of visits to the site.

By using enough bait points the rodent control treatment will be conducted most efficiently and in the shortest possible time. This will minimize the duration of exposure to non-target animals.

4. Always collect and dispose of rodent bodies

Prevent unintended rodenticide exposures to wildlife predators and scavengers by collecting dead rodent bodies.

You must carry out regular searches for rodent bodies, both during and after the treatment period. Bodies may be found for several days after rats have eaten the bait and rats may die up to 100 feet or more away from the baited site.

Any rodent bodies should be removed from the site and disposed of safely using the methods recommended on the rodenticide label.

5. Never leave bait exposed to people, non-target animals or birds

Care should be taken to ensure that bait is sufficiently protected to avoid accidentally poisoning non-target animals or birds. Natural materials should be used where possible.

Bait stations should be appropriate to the situation. Bait stations should provide access to the bait by rodents, while reducing the risks of non-target access and interference by people and non-target animals. Bait stations should protect the bait from contamination by dust or rain and their design, construction and placement should minimize interference.

6. Inspect bait regularly

Where the survey or treatment records show multiple visits to bait stations are necessary, then visits should be made as frequently as necessary. Daily inspection may be required in some circumstances.

At each visit, baits should be replenished according to the product label and a thorough search made to ensure that rodent bodies and any dropped and unconsumed bait are removed and disposed of safely. Records of such visits should be maintained.

7. Remove all bait at the end of the treatment

Always remove bait when treatment has been completed to ensure it does not become a source of exposure to people, pets or wildlife.

On completion of the treatment, records should be updated to signify that the infestation is controlled and all steps have been taken to ensure that the site is free of rodenticide bait.