Alternatives to Rodenticides
RODENTICIDES
A Red-tailed Hawk captures a rat in Fort Tyron Park, Manhattan. Photo: Dave Bledsoe/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Few cities in the world can claim what New York can: a thriving population of wild hawks, falcons, and owls living alongside eight million people. But the way we manage our rodent problem is putting that wildlife at serious risk.
How Rodenticides Harm Birds
Rodenticides, commonly called rat poisons, are widely used to control rodent populations. The most common type, anticoagulant rodenticides, kill by preventing normal blood clotting.
The danger to birds of prey is indirect but devastating. A poisoned rodent may not die for several days. During that time, it becomes slow and lethargic — easy prey for hawks and owls. When a bird of prey eats a poisoned rodent, it ingests the toxin as well. Because raptors eat many rodents, toxins accumulate and concentrate in their bodies through a process called biomagnification.
84% of dead birds of prey found in New York City tested positive for rat poison, according to research by the Wildlife Unit of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Signs of Rodenticide poisoning include:
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Internal hemorrhaging and widespread bruising
- Anemia
- Lethargy, closing eyes, not moving when approached
Hatchlings and small birds face the greatest risk, as even small amounts of toxin can be lethal.
"}" data-trix-content-type="undefined" class="attachment attachment--content"> 
Rodenticides are a Citywide Problem
Rodents don't just live in parks; they thrive wherever there is food, water, and shelter. Landscaped grounds, building gardens, basement areas, and trash zones all attract rodents, and it is legal for building managers to hire pest control professionals who use rodenticides.
While we have worked closely with NYC Parks & Recreation to limit rodenticide use, word needs to spread beyond the parks. Landscaped grounds and gardens outside of buildings, as well as basement and trash areas in buildings, attract rodents. It is legal for building managers to hire pest removal professionals who use rodenticides, but there are better ways of controlling rodent populations that do not harm birds.
"}" data-trix-content-type="undefined" class="attachment attachment--content"> 
Safer Alternatives to Rodenticides
Trapping and exclusion are effective and wildlife-safe. The most important step is removing what rodents need to survive: food, water, and shelter.
- Keep all garbage and food in tightly sealed containers. Locking bins are best, as rats can easily tear through plastic trash bags.
- Do not leave food for pets or other animals outside.
- Remove standing water—fix leaky pipes and holes where water pools.
- Remove dense vegetation from around and on buildings. It provides ideal rat habitat.
- Seal openings to the building that are ½ inch or larger with stainless steel mesh and cement or products designed specifically to exclude rodents.
- If you still have rats, use non-chemical methods of control such as snap or electric traps. We do not recommend the use of glue traps.
If you hire a pest management professional, ask for one with experience in Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
"}" data-trix-content-type="undefined" class="attachment attachment--content"> 
What to Do If You Find a Poisoned Bird of Prey
A poisoned bird of prey needs immediate professional care. If you see a bird exhibiting symptoms, contact Urban Wildlife Alliance at helpline@urbanwildlifenyc.org. They will provide guidance and connect you with a professional rehabilitator.
NEVER attempt to capture a large bird of prey unless you are a wildlife rehabilitator. Raptor talons and bills are very sharp and strong, and can easily cause injury. The bird may also easily become injured in the rescue attempt.
"}" data-trix-content-type="undefined" data-trix-attributes='{"bold":true}' class="attachment attachment--content"> 
Take Action
Talk to your landlord or building manager about rodenticide use in your building. Advocate for non-toxic pest control methods in your neighborhood. If you need to hire a pest management professional, ask for and choose one that has experience with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) services.
Downloadable Rodent Control Resources
NYC Bird Alliance has published two new pamphlets on responsible rodent control: a brochure aimed at building tenants, and a rack card for rodent-control professionals. Download and print out the pamphlets and give them to your friends, neighbors, rodent control professionals, and building managers. Educate them about the dangers of rodenticides and how they can responsibly control rodent populations without harming our birds of prey.
Responsible Rodent control: For Tenants
Responsible Rodent control: For rodent control professionals
