Secondary Poisoning Prevention
Preventing non-target predators from consuming poisoned rodents - using tamper-resistant stations, carcass removal, and strategic placement.
Detailed Overview
Secondary poisoning occurs when predators eat poisoned prey. Rodenticides remain toxic in rodent tissues after death. Predators consuming multiple poisoned rodents accumulate anticoagulant reaching lethal dose. At-risk predators: raptors (hawks, owls, eagles), mammalian predators (fox, coyote, bobcat), domestic pets (dogs, cats). Prevention methods: (1) Tamper-resistant bait stations: required for all outdoor applications, prevents access by non-targets. (2) Secure bait inside stations: never place loose bait accessible to wildlife. (3) Carcass removal: search for and remove dead rodents before predators find them. Intensive searching especially important with above-ground baiting. (4) Interior-only baiting when possible: reduces outdoor exposure. (5) Trap-out programs: no secondary poisoning risk, dead rodents immediately removed. (6) Newer generation anticoagulants: second-generation products (brodifacoum, bromadiolone) more toxic and persist longer increasing secondary poisoning risk. First-generation products (warfarin, chlorophaganone) require multiple feedings, less secondary risk but slower acting. EPA restrictions: residential use prohibitions on bulk second-generation products due to secondary poisoning concerns. PCO responsibility: balance rodent control with wildlife protection. Document carcass search efforts. Educate customers about risks.
When to Use
Use tamper-resistant stations for all outdoor rodenticide applications. Search for and remove carcasses regularly. Consider trap-out programs when secondary poisoning risk high. Use first-generation anticoagulants when possible.
Required Skill Level
Should only be performed by licensed pest management professionals
Benefits
- Protects non-target wildlife from poisoning
- Reduces liability from pet and wildlife deaths
- Demonstrates environmental stewardship
- Complies with EPA restrictions
- Maintains balance in ecosystem
Limitations
- Complete carcass removal impossible
- Rodents may die in inaccessible areas
- Trapping more labor-intensive than baiting
- First-generation baits slower acting
- Secondary poisoning risk cannot be eliminated entirely
Related Concepts
Other principles that may be useful
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
A prevention-based pest management method that provides long-lasting pest control, improves building conditions, and is less harmful to residents and pets than traditional pest control.
Pest Triangle
The four essential requirements pests need to survive: food, water, shelter, and ways to get around. Eliminating any of these makes an environment inhospitable to pests.
Threshold Levels
The point at which pest populations or damage reaches a level that requires action. IPM uses threshold levels to determine when treatment is necessary rather than treating on a schedule.