Protecting Wildlife

BAT BOXES 

Bats are now an endangered species in Massachusetts, so think about where you could install a bat box in your garden. Bats also serve as an excellent, natural mosquito control in the yard. Click here for instructions on how to make your own bat box and how to properly site and install it. Outdoor lighting has been known to trap bats in their roost (which has lead to starvation) so choose a spot away from exterior lighting.

RODENTICIDES

Rodenticides (especially ones containing Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides or SGARs) ingested by mice, rats or other rodents are harmful or fatal to unintended victims up the food chain, including birds of prey, predators, un-targeted wildlife, pets and even children.  Ironically, many of the unintended victims such as predators and birds of prey can provide better rodent prevention than the poison does. A family of five barn owls (two adults and three young) will feed on about 1,000 rodents during a season.

 Rodenticides are already banned from over- the- counter sales by the EPA.  However, pesticide companies may continue to use them. And those companies are not required to inform you they are doing so.

 There is evidence that rodenticides do not work in the long run.  In fact, they can create a larger rodent problem by attracting rodents to the area. Over time the area mouse/rat population can learn to stay clear of the traps and can also develop an immunity to the poison.

 There are alternatives to poison: 

 Prevention: removing access to food sources. 

  • Removing bird feeders or cleaning beneath them daily.
  • Using rat resistant trash cans with tight fitting lids.
  • If you compost, use metal compost bins.

Exclusion: keep them out of your house.

  • Find and block off points of entry with steel wool or Slick Barrier
  • Use copper or galvanized mesh extending partially into the ground to block off spaces under porches
  • Sprinkle cayenne pepper around the foundation of your home.

Most pest companies rely on the use of rodenticide, which results in the need for continual reapplication of the poison. Instead, choose a wildlife exclusion professional who can find and seal points of entry.

 You can view a short informational video here and a 2024 presentation made in Carlisle on the harms of rodenticides to wildlife.