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Board endorses four research projects on rodenticides, RNAi and pest species; authorizes executive officer to finalize contracts

5869901 · October 2, 2025

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Summary

The Structural Pest Control Board's Research Advisory Panel recommended — and the board endorsed — four research proposals covering rodenticide exposure in coyotes and RNAi approaches for Argentine ants, German cockroaches and drywood termites; staff may make non‑substantive contract edits and proceed with contracting.

At its Oct. 1 meeting the Structural Pest Control Board’s Research Advisory Panel presented scores and rankings for proposals submitted under a request for proposals issued after the March 2025 meeting. Board staff said five proposals were received and evaluated; the panel recommended endorsing the top four for funding: rodenticide exposures in coyotes; and RNA interference (RNAi) solutions for Argentine ants, German cockroaches and dry‑wood termites. The board moved, seconded and approved the recommendation; staff are authorized to make non‑substantive edits and finalize contracting.

Board staff noted the panel’s scoring, budget considerations and the panel meeting on Aug. 27, 2025. UC Berkeley’s Neil Tsutsui offered public comment thanking the board and panel for research support. The executive officer said projects will cover several years (about a four‑year research cycle under this program). The board’s vote endorsed the panel’s top four and authorized the executive officer to complete contract steps and make minor edits before finalization.