Ferndale to Begin Contrapest Rat Control Pilot Program in April 2023

Late February on the consent agenda we approved a pilot program deploying Contrapest, the biologic/rat birth control product I've been discussing for years.

Shortly after, I was interviewed by Time magazine to help them understand why we're doing what we're doing, and how Contrapest works.

If you've heard me lecture about rats and rat issues, you know my order of importance in terms of rat elimination:

1.) Eliminate food/water 2.) Reduce harborage 3.) Eliminate the rat

We have been using the neurotoxin bromethalin to get a good read on high-activity areas, and as a quick-acting take-down agent. It was the preferred bait method, as it isn't a bioaccumulating poison like the commonly used anticoagulants. Therefore, it shouldn't secondarily kill owls, hawks, opossums, raccoons, dogs, cats, etc.

We will still be using the neurotoxin in certain areas, but switching to the biologic/birth control at our DPW yards. This is a big step, as this is BY FAR the safest method we can use to keep the rat population in check. This is something you all have been asking for, and I'm so happy it is moving forward.

However, we have to remain vigilant. Those 3 steps above are not optional; if there is food available, rats will eat it. Bait, no matter what kind, is only as successful as the take rate. If the rats have other options they like more than our bait, then they will not be controlled by a poison or biologic.

This is a really good time for all of us to remember to check our property for rat burrow holes, evidence of rats, and think in terms of future prevention and elimination. We have a ton of material on Ferndale Rat Patrol for people to review on how to prevent them from establishing under decks and sheds, how to check for intrusion, etc.

Also, don't mind me if I celebrate a little. If I can go the rest of my life without ever seeing another owl/opossum/raccoon die from poison, I'll be a happy camper.