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Board hears industry concerns ahead of anticipated rodenticide ban proposals
Summary
Board members and industry representatives discussed pending and anticipated state legislation on anticoagulant rodenticides, describing industry stewardship efforts, coalition outreach and concerns about a potential broad ban.
Board members and members of the pest‑control industry discussed ongoing legislative attention to rodenticides and described multiple parallel efforts: outreach to authors and sponsors, stewardship programs, proposed training, and preparation for likely renewed legislative proposals.
Susan, the board’s executive officer, reported that the Structural Pest Control Board and industry stakeholders have been following at least three bills this session; industry representatives warned the board that sponsors may renew proposals next legislative session. Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC) representatives said they expect renewed sponsor interest in a full ban on rodenticides and are pursuing proactive measures such as a West Coast Rodent Academy and a ‘‘rodenticide awareness month’’ to educate technicians and the public.
Industry speakers emphasized differences among rodenticide chemistries and said that not all rodenticides have the same secondary‑poisoning profiles. PCOC and other industry coalition members said they have met repeatedly with the author’s staff and are seeking common‑sense restrictions, boundary definitions around food‑handling or structural sites, and additional stewardship and education to reduce misuse outside structural settings. Several industry representatives urged continued dialogue rather than a broad ban; one said sponsors have so far resisted compromise and remain focused on a prohibition.
Board member Naresh Duggal and others suggested drafting definitions and boundary conditions to distinguish structural uses from non‑agricultural wilderness uses that environmental commenters and Fish & Wildlife have flagged. Public commenters representing pest‑control companies and associations warned of public‑health and property‑damage consequences if rodenticide tools were broadly removed and requested continued engagement between sponsors, agencies and industry.
No formal board action to change policy or adopt a resolution took place at this meeting; the board noted a committee has been formed and that industry and board representatives will continue outreach to legislators and the Department of Pesticide Regulation.
