Public works outlines Fillmore pest-control methods for parks; gophers, ground squirrels are priorities

City public-works staff presented an update on the city’s pest-management program for parks, saying the city’s contractor, Venco Western, provides landscape maintenance and subcontracts wildlife professionals to control gophers and ground squirrels. Georgie Gerardo, management analyst for Public Works, told council that control methods are limited to state-approved options and stressed the city’s emphasis on humane, low-environmental-risk approaches.

Gerardo said Venco performs routine maintenance on Thursdays at priority sites including Rio Vista Park, the basins, City Hall, Chamber Park, Los Arenos (the fireworks booth area) and other large landscape areas. Parks are prioritized by public visibility, proximity to water and open fields that attract burrowing animals. Monthly monitoring reports show activity levels and help staff target follow-up work.

Gerardo described approved control tools and timing: gopher gassers (used during the rainy season) and state-approved baits in the dry season designed to avoid secondary poisoning to pets. “All pest control companies and contractors can only offer a 90% control rate, meaning it’s really hard to control nature,” Gerardo told council. She added ground squirrels are more difficult to manage than gophers and that California restrictions have removed some earlier methods, requiring contractors to adapt.

Councilmembers and staff said residents should report fresh holes and other hazards through the city Public Works contact or the city website to ensure prompt response. One council member noted Venco sometimes needs water availability to execute certain control methods and that contractors contact staff when they require operational support.

Gerardo said the city will continue to prioritize humane, environmentally responsible methods, monitor contractor performance and adjust tactics as required by state law.