DATE: TUESDAY, JUNE 23 AT 6:00 PM
LOCATION: AT CAMDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Rodenticide usage for pest control is becoming rampant and has devastating impacts on wildlife. Instead of solving the problem, these poisons are killing wildlife including rodents’ natural predators, as well as pets. Rodents who eat rodenticides from bait boxes are then consumed by predators, who are poisoned in turn.
Homeowners may not even know that their own pest management systems uses rodenticides and are contributing to what has been called “the new DDT.” This begs the urgent question: are rodenticides causing the next Silent Spring?
Wild Ones Midcoast Maine and Camden Public Library are partnering to present “The Truth About Rodenticides,” a community event featuring a panel of experts from around the state who will educate us about rodenticides from their unique perspectives. We will also learn about effective methods of Integrated Pest Management that don’t use these dangerous poisons. Pest management experts will display rodenticide-free rodent control options including snap trap boxes and the Smart Home Defense system, a data driven rodent control technology.
Following brief presentations by each panel member, we will open up the room to Q&A and discussion. The goal of the evening is to spread awareness of this crisis, get up to date on related legislation, learn about alternatives, ask questions, share dialogue, and take a concrete step towards protecting our wildlife. Everyone is welcome.
Experts on our panel will include:
- Jacquie Gage and Heléna Malone of Rodenticide-Free Maine Coalition
- Anthony Erwin, Maine Audubon Policy Advocate
- Don Hoenig, former Maine State Veterinarian
- Avery Berkowitz and Stephanie Lindsell of Maine Wildlife Rehabilitation
- Jennifer Marchigiani of Misfits Rehab
- Jacque Fanning of Warren Brook Wildlife Rehabilitation
- Wildlife ecologist Richard Podolsky
- Local managers of Modern Pest Services, Augusta
The Maine Legislature passed legislation that is a first step in limiting the use of Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARS) by individuals. However, the reality of the bill (LD 356) is more complex. At this event we will learn about where the bill stands, its harmful loopholes, and why we need to do much more.
Thank you to Jacquie Gage and Heléna Malone of Rodenticide-Free Maine Coalition for inspiring this event.
This program is put on in partnership with Camden Public Library.
