Rodenticides are chemicals made and sold for the purpose of killing rodents like mice and rats.

Rodenticides pose a risk to people, pets, and wildlife through direct and secondary poisoning. Natural predators like hawks, owls, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, and even household cats and dogs can suffer long-term effects or die from feeding on poisoned rodents. 

The City of Port Moody recognizes the risk to wildlife caused by rodenticides and has restricted their use on City-owned lands. This aligns with restrictions on the sale and use of certain rodenticides by the Province, which you can read more about here. Help us protect local wildlife by going rodenticide free and using alternative methods for pest management in and around your home.

 Rodents in Port Moody

While mice and rats are part of the urban environment, they become pests when they enter our yards or homes. They are known to carry disease and can cause significant property damage. The most common species in the Lower Mainland are:

  • House mice - These mice can be a variety of colours including tan, brown, grey, black, and white
  • Norway rats - This species prefers to burrow and take cover underground.
  • Black rats - These rats are tree dwellers and often make their home in attics.
 Signs of a rodent infestation

Do you have unwanted visitors around your home? Mice and rats tend to go inside yards and homes in late fall when searching for food and warmth. Signs that mice or rats are nearby include:

  • droppings or poop
  • gnawing or bite marks
  • signs of burrowing
  • noises in the walls or ceiling
 Alternative methods

Generally, the most effective approach is to use a combination of alternative methods to prevent and control rodent problems.

Prevention

Removing or limiting rodent attractants is an effective way to prevent mice and rats from making themselves at home on your property.

  • Remove potential nesting and hiding sites. Remove vines and tree branches touching the roof or upper level of your home. Keep low ground cover near your house and remove items that are stacked to your home's foundation.

  • Close any openings. Did you know that a mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime and rats through holes the size of a quarter? Close all holes to your home including gaps under doors. Remove any piles of wood or other materials from the side of your home and clean your porch or deck of debris. Check your grill and grease trap.

  • Minimize food attractants. Store pet food and bird seed inside in pest proof containers and clean up any spilled bird seed from feeders. Store garbage, food waste, and recycling in secured areas that is inaccessible to wildlife until pick-up day. Harvest fruit trees and gardens promptly.
  • Invite rodent predators into your yard. Owl boxes make a welcoming home for a predator that eats 2,000 rodents a year.

Trapping

Trapping is an effective control method for rodents that are already in your home. Choose effective and humane options such as:

  • electrocution trap
  • snap trap with tamper proof boxes
  • live trap
  • bolt trap (a mechanical trap that resets automatically)

Be sure to follow manufacturers' instructions for safe and effective use. Keep the traps in the exact same spot for a few weeks to ensure rodents stop being suspicious of the trap and enter.
 Tips for hiring a pest control company

If you're considering professional help with a rodent issue, choose a company that avoids or limits the use of rodenticides. Ask the following questions:

  • Do you use rodenticides? How do you decide when to use them?
  • How will you monitor and assess the rodent problem?
  • Are your field staff trained in Integrated Pest Management and non-poison control methods?
  • What rodent control methods do you use most often? 

If the answers focus on poison control methods, consider using a different company. Look for companies that suggest monitoring for signs of rodents, sealing up entry points, and other preventative methods.
 Helpful Resources