This black box is a commonly seen rodent trap made to sit alongside building walls where rodents move. But do you recognize the camouflaged box in the top image? Photos by Carol Foss.
From mice in the pantry to rats in the barn, the health and economic impacts of rodent infestations have affected humanity for millennia. Many approaches now exist for rodent control, and prevention strategies are the most important and effective first steps.
Use of anti-coagulant poisons, especially second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), often result in secondary poisoning of native wildlife, including hawks, owls, eagles, bobcats, fishers, foxes, and other predators. Integrated Pest Management techniques that do not involve poisons provide safe alternatives that protect wildlife as well as children and pets.
This page offers resources for informed decision making.
On October 10, 2024, NH Audubon joined Massachusetts Audubon and Rhode Island Audubon to present information on the critical issue of rodenticide use. Watch the full presentation:
“We brought together New England’s leading poison-free pest control professionals to discuss how to safely manage rodent problems. Watch to learn about their proven, wildlife-safe pest control approaches, then bring your knowledge home to advocate for an end to rodent poison use in your community!”
(Source: Science, 2024)
“Supertoxic rodenticides are building up inside unintended targets, including birds, mammals, and insects. Scientists want to understand the damage—and limit it.”
Raptors and Anticoagulant Rodenticides
(Source: Journal of Raptor Research, 2022)
“Widespread use of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) creates an ongoing global conservation concern for raptors. ARs have the potential to negatively affect birds primarily by secondary exposure (via scavenging or depredating primary consumers of ARs), which may cause toxicosis following the consumption of a poisoned prey…”
(Source: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 2-8-2024)
Includes data from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania
(Source: Journal of Applied Ecology, 2005)
Regional Rodenticide Study – Progress Report 4-6-23
“Investigating the extent, severity, and drivers of meso-carnivore exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides across the northeastern states, with an emphasis on fisher (Pekania pennanti).”
Prevalence of anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning in humans and animals
(Source: Clinical Toxicology, 2010)
Integrated Pest Management Resources and Options
A series of slides prepared by concerned Massachusetts individuals and organizations. It includes prevention, education, treatment, and monitoring resources.
Slide presentation from Friends of Horn Pond with information to help identify bait stations in your community.
Integrated Pest Management Toolkit
Document provided by Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island Audubons with resources for mobilizing action.
Unintended Harm: Rodenticides in NH’s Wildlife
(Source: NH Wildlife Journal, September/October 2022)
Analyzing the high rate of rodenticides appearing in furbearing mammals in New Hampshire and tips on nontoxic pest control.
Excluding Rodents from Fieldstone Foundations
Many of New Hampshire’s historic homes have fieldstone foundations that are full of cracks and crannies, presenting unique challenges for excluding rodents. Robert Linscott, owner of North Shore Wildlife, shares tips for homeowners for addressing these challenges.
The Boston Rat Action Plan 2024
A Photographic Overview of Boston’s plan for control of urban rodents.
