Bethel Restricts Use Of Rat Poison On Town Properties

BETHEL, CT — Bethel has adopted a new pest control policy restricting the use of certain rodent poisons on town-owned properties, citing concerns about their effects on birds of prey and other wildlife.

Under the policy, the town will no longer use anticoagulant rodenticides on municipal properties unless a significant infestation occurs and emergency approval is granted by the first selectman and ratified by the Board of Selectmen.

Instead, Bethel has adopted a pest control plan using nontoxic alternatives, First Selectman Dan Carter announced in his weekly community newsletter.

Anticoagulant rodenticides work by preventing blood from clotting, causing poisoned rodents to weaken before they die.

According to the town, this creates a risk for predators that feed on the affected animals, including owls, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, foxes, coyotes and bobcats.

Wildlife rehabilitators and researchers in Connecticut have documented secondary poisoning in these species, Carter said.

The town also noted that reducing populations of natural predators could have the unintended consequence of allowing rodent populations to rebound.

The policy includes an exception for significant infestations requiring emergency action, subject to approval by town leadership.