Sharing: Poison Bait Problems & Alternatives

Summit Park HOA received a letter from Dr. Laurel Harris, an Exotic and Wildlife Veterinarian on behalf of a concerned resident in the Pinebrook area, so we wanted to share the key takeaways from her note as an FYI:

Last fall, unusually high numbers of federally protected owls and hawks were found dead around the area. All appeared prostrate with no obvious signs of physical trauma which is usually an indication of poisoning. Also, there were cases of poisoned pets in the area along with numerous homeowners placing poison bait stations outside their homes, decks, patios and landscaping.

Obviously, people have a right to protect the inside of their homes against mice and rats, but there are several problems with placing poison bait stations outside:

• All poison baits kill mammals, including the so-called “pet-friendly” type
• All mammals are at risk, such as pets, humans, chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, etc.
• Poisoned mammals cause the secondary poisoning and death of predators like weasels, ermine, foxes, cougars, owls, hawks and eagles

There are many alternatives to placing poison bait stations outside, such as:

• Making sure there are no openings around the house for rodents to get in. Mice can enter through a 1/4 inch opening and the most common point of entry is around the garage door. Consider installing garage door weather seal kits, especially a garage door bottom gasket
• There are effective and safe rodent repellents like Rodent Sheriff, which has a pleasant fragrance. Spraying it around the outside of the home or garden is usually effective
• Use one-way entry live or kill traps inside garage and houses. These types come from many different brands

Please help us preserve our wildlife, the natural order, and protect humans and pets.