New Study tests out humane GoodNature Traps (as an alternative to rat poison) on Delta Farms

Sofi Hindmarch was contracted out to test out the Goodnature Traps (I’ve talked about a lot on this blog) on several farms in Delta earlier this year. GoodNature Traps are a non-toxic, humane alternative to rodenticides. 

A video to show how these traps work:


The take-home message of this report:

·       GoodNature trap is another tool in the toolbox to control for rodents.

·       For Goodnature traps to work effectively, one should first:

1.       Implement preventative measures such as removing resources and shelter for rats, or else uptake of trap would be low. This is because rats are neophobic and will not try new food sources if they already have a steady supply of food available to them (e.g. hen feed).

2.       Always use lure cards to guide the later installation of GoodNature traps. It will help you find locations where rats are comfortable eating and also it helps you assess if you have a rat problem to begin with.

·       GoodNature blocker should be used to prevent non-target species from entering the trap when installed outdoors along perimeter of buildings or fenceposts.

·       What can we do?

1.       Target education on rodenticide usage to a) Landowners (ensure preventative measures are the first line of defense); and b) Vendors selling rodenticides (ensure they are well informed on product application and regulations).

2.       Connect with Canada GAP, as they are the ones that implement food safety standards.

3.       Work with the Pest Management Regulatory Agency on regulation both the sales and usage of rodenticides.

You can read the full Environment and Climate Change Canada Report HERE.

Thank you to Sofi Hindmarch for sharing this. This report is all the more relevant since several owls have turned up dead at Musqueam Park, Paulik Park and on Vancouver Island in the last couple months. The owl at  Musqueam Park was killed by a dog. It was presumed to be poisoned displaying abnormal behavior of sitting on the ground with its head held down before it was finished off.

If you do find a dead owl or raptor. Please refrigerate or freeze it and call this number 1-866-431-2473 and follow the directions on this poster, which is put out by the BC Gov't Lab.

Also George Heyman the Minister of the Environment  released a new statement in regards to a potential provincial ban and has had meetings with stakeholders in regards to this issue. 

“I have asked ministry staff to develop options for improvements to how rodenticides are regulated in B.C., including consideration of bans,” Heyman wrote.

Here is a full list of cities that have now banned the use of rodenticides on civic lands! Progress is happening.

  • District of North Vancouver
  • District of Saanich
  • District of Sooke
  • City of Colwood
  • City of Port Moody
  • City of Victoria
  • City of North Vancouver
  • District of West Vancouver
  • District of Oak Bay,
  • New Westminster
  • District of North Saanich
  • Town of View Royal
  • City of Richmond
  • City of Salmon Arm

Comments

  1. LonelytravellerApril 18, 2021 at 8:17 PM

    Sounds like a great thing that’s happening moving away from the rodenticide

    ReplyDelete

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