Dec 4, 2020, 14:15 PM by Fred Speer

On September 29, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1788, “The California Ecosystems Protection Act,” into law. The new law prohibits most uses of second-generation anticoagulant rodent baits (SGARs) in and around residential dwellings, and it goes into effect on January 1, 2021.

During the pandemic, there has been a measurable rise in rodent activity. The closure of commercial establishments – especially restaurants, cafes, and bars – has depleted rodents’ usual food sources, which has caused them to move into residential areas in search of both food and shelter.

Clark, your friendly pest, termite, and lawn care expert, would like to reassure you that – despite rising rodent pressure and the growing threat of rodent-borne diseases – Clark Pest Control is ready. We are adjusting our approach to rodent control and won’t miss a beat when protecting your family and property from disease-transmitting rodents.

For decades, Clark Pest Control has delivered rodent control services built on the philosophy of integrated pest management. IPM emphasizes control methods that limit the environmental impact of the service while still achieving the primary objective: getting rid of the mice or rats that threaten your home.

IPM rodent control includes the following approaches:

• Physically excluding rodents from homes by sealing up openings in the foundation and roof line, and around doors, windows, and utility openings
• Focusing on good sanitation practices to deny rodents what they seek most: an easy path to food
• Judicious use of rodent baits only when the situation calls for it

 

Under provisions of the new regulation, which is intended to reduce the risk of accidental secondary exposure by non-target animals, rodent bait usage will still be permitted. The chemistry of the alternative baits that Clark and other pest management professionals will be using, however, is different. The alternative baits take longer to work, and place a greater emphasis on using the IPM control methods mentioned earlier.

Fortunately, Clark Pest Control was already moving in that direction, and has been designing and delivering rodent control programs that emphasize exclusion, trapping, and habitat modification. The judicious use of rodent baits remains part of Clark’s rodent control toolbox, and the extensive training that Clark technicians receive in IPM practices will become even more valuable to homeowners faced with a rodent problem.

An IPM approach to rodent management requires the proper investment of time, patience, and application of expertise. Clark Pest Control is committed to ensuring that you’ll have peace of mind in knowing that your rodent problems will be handled professionally and effectively, using scientifically proven control methods.

Clark Pest Control remains committed to safeguarding your home from pests during these challenging times. Our service technicians use such personal protective equipment as gloves, masks, and respirators, they practice social distancing, they call ahead to notify you before a service, and they adhere strictly to all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines when servicing inside or outside your home.

If you’re experiencing an issue with rodents in and around your home, call California’s rodent control expert, Clark, at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or send an email to clarkcares@clarkpest.com.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.