Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pesticide Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Westford Board explores rodenticide reduction, to pilot traps at senior center
Summary
The Board discussed wildlife harms from second‑generation rodenticides and outlined a 6–12 month pilot at the Cameron Senior Center to replace bait stations with mechanical traps; staff will monitor monthly and the Board will work with town departments to update the pesticide policy.
At its May 11 meeting the Westford Board of Health discussed plans to reduce reliance on second‑generation rodenticides and to test mechanical traps and integrated pest‑management methods at the Cameron Senior Center.
Rae Dick, representing Health Department staff, said the town’s current pesticide use policy bans rodenticides on town‑owned properties but allows an exemption for bait stations and traps. Dick described a planned 6–12 month pilot at the Cameron Senior Center to evaluate replacing bait stations with mechanical traps, with Health Department staff checking for signs of rodent activity on a monthly schedule.
Board members raised concerns about secondary poisoning of predators and scavengers, including raptors, foxes and eagles, if second‑generation compounds remain in the environment. A resident who spoke during public comment expressed support for reducing or eliminating rodenticide use in town because of those wildlife and environmental risks.
Stephanie Granger said the Board and Health Department will collaborate with other town departments to update the pesticide policy to reflect lessons from the pilot and to limit risks on town‑owned properties.
The Board did not record a formal vote to change the town policy at this meeting; staff will implement the pilot and report back to the Board for any recommended policy changes or further action.
