Rodenticides and RaptorsĀ 

ByĀ Dylan TillĀ -Ā dylant@landings.orgĀ 
EnvironmentalĀ ManagerĀ 

When choosingĀ control methods for rodentsĀ in or around your home you might want to consider alternatives to rodenticides or rat poison.Ā 

What is the problem with rodenticides or rat poison?Ā The issue with rodenticides, especially the second-generation rodenticides, is that the poison is slowĀ acting,Ā and rodents can ingest many more times the dose than is needed to be lethal.Ā 

How does this effect raptors?Ā RaptorsĀ (owls, hawks, falcons and eagles) areĀ birds that hunt other animals for food. Rodents that have ingested rodenticidesĀ can be killed by a raptor before they succumbĀ to the poison. When the raptor ingests the poisoned rodent, it might receive a large enough dose of the rodenticide to be lethal to the bird.Ā 

What can you do to prevent rodenticide poisoning in raptors?Ā When dealing with a rodent infestation, first doĀ prevention work. Eliminate or protect sources of food by securing trash cans, using tree guards for fruit trees, and covering vegetable gardens with netting. Eliminate or limit access to shelter by sealing holes in attics, crawl spaces, sheds, andĀ removeĀ limbs that are in close proximity to your roof. If your rodent infestation goes beyond preventive work and requires lethalĀ removal,Ā consider alternatives to rodenticides like glue traps or conventional snap traps.Ā 

Rodenticide poisoning in raptors is an issue in many cases that can be avoided. It is not to say that rodenticides or rat poison is inappropriate in everyĀ situation,Ā but it might be overkill in a lot of residential circumstances.Ā 

If you would like to learn moreĀ aboutĀ rodenticide poisoning of raptors, pleaseĀ clickĀ here.Ā 



This article was originally published by The Landings Association on their website.

Visit landings.org to read the original article.
https://landings.org/news/2021/04/27/rodenticides-and-raptors%C2%A0