The sale and use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARS) will be prohibited for the next 18 months, as the poison is harming animals who consume poisoned rodents.
A rodenticide action plan will come into place to increase public information on the risks and usage of SGARS, and will promote alternatives to reduce unnecessary pesticide use.
“We share the concerns of many British Columbians that rodenticide use is harming, and too often killing, birds, pets and other wildlife,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
The ministry will be undertaking a science review to better understand the root cause of secondary poisoning, and will review practices in other jurisdictions to develop recommendations for future policies.
Exceptions to this ban include agricultural production and food safety, as well as health services like hospitals, food processing and storage facilities, restaurants and grocery stores.
Agricultural operations may use SGARs with proof of qualifying agricultural status, while following integrated pest management principles, with the use of pesticides being a last resort.
“I am pleased to know the minister is acknowledging the detrimental effects rodenticides can have on our ecosystem and look forward to an increased awareness of alternative pest management approaches that are safer, more humane and more effective in the long term," said Deanna Pfeifer, an organizer with the Rodenticide Free BC campaign.
Most people who apply pesticides on public land or as a service, are required to hold an authorization under the Integrated Pest Management Act (IPMA).
The ministry will be updating the pesticide applicator certification material to ensure applicators are aware of the potential harm of SGARs to wildfire.
