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Pest Control Home > Rat Control > Rat Statistics > Gopher Control > Resources > 08/09 Fieldworker Policy > Contact (Pest Control)

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A RAT CONTROL PROGRAM

1. PCOs– Each RM/ADD Board to have an appointed qualified, and licensed Pest Control Officer serving their jurisdiction.
2. Bait – Bait should be given out free of charge to a reasonable maximum level.
3. Inspections
• A minimum of two visits per year to all occupied farms, vacant and abandoned farm sites.
• That the definition of zero tolerance means if there is a rat infestation present or suspected, someone is trying to get rid of it
• All rat infestations must be revisited and baited until they are cleaned up
• All potential harbourage in the area surrounding the infestation should be inspected and re-inspected after the clean up to make sure there has been no further dispersal of the rat population.
4. Prevention
• The cooperation of all landowners and tenants be enlisted to destroy old unwanted buildings and other structures that harbour or could harbour rats.
• All sites should be subject to preventative baiting in the spring and fall of each year.
5. Record Keeping
• It is part of the Pest Control Officers licensing requirement to keep proper records of all pest control activity for 3 years
• It is also the responsibility of the Municipal Governments empowered to administer the Pest Control Act.
• Good record keeping protects RMs, towns, villages and cities, ADD Boards, PCOs and Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF) in the event of a liability situation. The signature of farmers on PCO inspection reports is particularly important to have on file.
• Good records lead to good control since part of this enhanced program involves regional and district mapping to isolate hot spots as well as to chart progress being made
6. Teamwork.
   • Pest Control Coordinators are available on request for the following:
     1. Technical support and training, their presence at fair, shows, sales etc.
     2. Speaking engagements to local Community Groups, Rate Payer meetings, RM, Town and Village Council Meetings.
     3. To spend time upon request, from an RM or ADD Board with newly licensed and appointed PCOs to ensure the adoption of good work practices that meet legal and operational requirements of the Pest Control Act.