Rodent infestations can be a frustrating problem, leading many of us to reach for rodent bait.
However, the impact of these baits, extends far beyond the rodents they are meant to target. The most commonly used rodent poisons are anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs). Newer ARs, called second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), are powerful enough that a single feed can be lethal.
The hidden danger of SGARs
SGARs are highly toxic poisons designed to kill rodents with a single feed. However, due to the delayed effects of the poison, rodents often consume a lethal dose and continue to wander—essentially becoming “walking time bombs.” When predators like owls, eagles, and other birds of prey eat these poisoned rodents, they also ingest the poison. Over time, this can lead to severe harm or death in these animals.
Australian studies have highlighted alarming levels of SGARs in the bodies of dead birds of prey, including Southern Boobooks, Wedge-tailed Eagles, and Powerful Owls. Unfortunately, SGARs remain widely available in Australian supermarkets and hardware stores, despite stricter regulations in countries like the USA, Canada, and the EU.
The broader impact
It’s not just birds of prey that are affected. Evidence shows that SGARs are also harming:
- Other wildlife: Omnivorous birds like ravens, ducks, and currawongs; native marsupials such as quolls and possums; reptiles like snakes and lizards.
- Invertebrates: Slugs, insects, and other small creatures.
- Domestic pets: Cats and dogs are at risk when they consume poisoned rodents or baits directly.
Commitment to stop using SGARS
Port Macquarie Hastings Council made a commitment to stop using SGARs in January 2022. We encouraging our community to do the same as these poisons are often used by residents and commercial providers. Packaging for SGARs can be unclear, but as a safe bet avoid all products with the ingredients: brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, difenacoum or flocoumafen.
Making your home and garden safe for pets and wildlife
Birdlife Australia are campaigning to ban SGARs and encourage alternative options to manage pests. They promote that managing rodents effectively doesn’t have to come at the cost of harming native wildlife and pets. By making thoughtful changes in and around your home, you can deter rodents naturally, protect native predators, and reduce reliance on harmful poisons. Here’s how:
Rodents thrive in cluttered, food-rich environments. Simple changes can make your home and garden less attractive to them:
- Tidy up garden waste: Remove brush piles and overgrown vegetation.
- Pick up fallen fruit: Prevent rodents from feasting on your garden’s produce.
- Secure pet food: Store excess pet food securely to avoid attracting rodents.
- Rodent-proof enclosures: Reinforce chook pens and aviaries to keep rodents out.
- Replant with native species: Replace rodent-friendly palms with owl-friendly native plants.
- Seal access points: Block gaps in your roof and walls to stop rodents from entering.
- Dispose of carcasses: Remove rodent remains promptly to prevent secondary harm to pets or wildlife.
Native predators like owls, eagles, and other birds of prey are nature’s rodent control experts. Support their survival by:
- Preserving old trees: Protect trees with hollows, essential nesting spots for predators. (Remember, these hollows can take over 150 years to form!)
- Planting native trees: Create a habitat that supports local wildlife.
- Installing nest boxes: Provide breeding spaces for owls and other predators to thrive.
Poison baits can cause widespread harm to wildlife through secondary poisoning. Opt for safer alternatives:
- Try non-poison methods: Use snap traps or other humane pest control solutions.
- Limit bait use: Only use poisons when absolutely necessary.
- Choose safer baits: Avoid SGARs and opt for “Natural” alternatives or First Generation products:
- “Natural” alternatives: These products, often using salt to dehydrate rodents, are less likely to harm wildlife.
- First Generation baits: Look for active ingredients like Warfarin or Coumatetralyl, which have a reduced impact on predators.
