Rodent Control & the Environment

Throughout California, the use of poison baits to control rodents has injured and killed thousands of wild animals and pets. Predatory and scavenging birds and mammals, including owls, hawks, raccoons, bobcats, mountain lions, foxes, skunks and coyotes, that eat dead or dying rodents that have consumed these baits will be poisoned. Pets are also harmed by eating dead or dying rodents and unprotected bait.

The truth is that no poison is a good poison - in other words, no poison available on the market in the United States poses no risk to wildlife. The best way to control rodents and protect wildlife and pets is to use a non-chemical method, such as exclusion and sanitation. Additional details for poison-free pest management can be found in the City's Rodent Control and Our Environment brochure. 

Owl

MALIBU’S COMMITMENT

In 2013, the City adopted Resolution No. 13-28 urging businesses in Malibu to no longer use or sell anticoagulant rodenticides, and urged all local property owners to cease purchasing or using these chemicals on their properties. In 2016, the City discontinued the use of all rodenticides and removed traps from city-owned parks, roads, and facilities.

EARTH FRIENDLY MANAGEMENT POLICY

In 2018, the City issued an Earth Friendly Management Policy Initial Study for a public comment period. Find out what the City is currently doing at its facilities and properties: Park Maintenance Program and Integrated Pest Management. 

what you can do to Protect Pets and Wildlife

  1. do
  2. don't
  • Use barn owl nesting boxes
  • Use mechanical traps such as capture, snap or electronic
  • Keep trash and recycling areas clean
  • Secure trash cans and dumpsters from birds and rodents
  • Seal all cracks and crevices that may lead into your home, garage, attic, and crawl space
  • Use 1/4 inch metal mesh (not chicken wire) to seal off entry points, and steel wool for smaller holes
  • Pick backyard fruit as soon as it ripens and keep rotten fruit off the ground
  • Maintain landscaping - keep a 2 foot space between bushes; remove tree limbs within 3 feet of structures; keep grass under 2 inches
  • Properly dispose of poisons as Household Hazardous Waste
Mountain_Lion_Tree