Vertebrate Control & Employees Handling

By: Laura Hebert

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist San Luis Obispo County Agricultural Commissioner

Federal Restrictions on Rodenticides

WHY? Anticoagulants can have devastating impacts on non-

target vertebrates such as domestic animals like dogs and cats as well as wild species:

• Rodenticides containing anticoagulants have become Federally restricted.

Red Fox Gray Fox SJ Kit Fox Coyote Mountain Lion Bobcat

Great-horned Owl Barn Owl Red-tailed Hawk Raccoon Badger Wild Pig

Federal Restrictions on Rodenticides

You still need to have and maintain a valid Operator Identification Number (OIN) or Restricted Materials Permit (RMP)

You will need to become a Private Certified Applicator.

• What this means to you:

How to Become a Private Certified Applicator (PAC) The County Agricultural Commissioner’s

(CAC) office administers an exam.

– The test is 70 questions long and takes anywhere from 1-2 hours on average.

– You must pass the exam with a 70%.

– The test is free of charge.

What is on the PAC Exam? Test material is related to information

about laws and regulations for handling pesticides.

Study guides are available at your local CAC office for approx $7.53*. (Checks only, no cash or credit.) There are study questions at the end of

each chapter. Questions in the study guide will not be on

the test, but will cover similar content.

*Sales tax may vary by office

Ready to take the Exam? Contact your nearest Agricultural

Commissioner’s office to make an appointment. Templeton 434-5950 San Luis Obispo 781-5910

Arroyo Grande 473-7090

Rodenticide Labels are Changing The top three rodenticides used in SLO County have had some changes to their labeling.

Prior to purchasing any rodenticides, make sure that the application site as well as the method will work for your situation.

Application Site: ○ Proximity to homes ○ Domestic animals and

wildlife ○ Type of agricultural

production

Method: ○ Bait stations ○ Broadcast ○ Below ground

The Baiting Process How to safely and effectively bait for

ground squirrels: Utilizing Bait Stations

Broadcast Applications

Baiting at the burrow

Utilizing Bait Stations Follow the label recommendations, may

require pre-baiting!

Secure bait stations so they can not be tampered with.

Place them in proper locations.

Be sure stations exclude unintended

vertebrates. (Put half end caps or fencing around stations.)

Improper Use of Bait Stations

Proper Use of Bait Stations

Other types of Bait Stations Improper Use Proper Use

Broadcast Applications

May require specialized equipment

Typically requires pre-baiting

The number of applications that can be made may be limited

Baiting at the Burrow Take proper precautions to prevent non-

target poisoning

Follow recommended label rates

Use at the appropriate time of the year for acceptance

Use below ground if required

Pesticide Labels Undergo scheduled reevaluations

and can be changed at any time due to new research.

Read the entire label every time you

purchase a pesticide product.

Always read instructions that accompany PPE, even if you purchase the same brand and model.

Personal Protective Equipment Employees as well as Owner/Operators must wear the protective equipment listed on the pesticide label. Gloves Long sleeve shirt Long pants Safety glasses/goggles

Chemical resistant apron Coveralls Shoes plus socks or

Chemical resistant boots Respirators

Employees must wear protective eyewear and chemical resistant gloves when they: Mix or load pesticides Adjust, clean, or repair application

equipment Conduct an application by hand, or use

hand held equipment.

EMPLOYEE PROTECTION (WAIT THERE’S MORE!)

DANGER or WARNING Employees who handle pesticide products

in Category one and two- (DANGER and WARNING), must be provided with coveralls and the employer must ensure that the coveralls are worn.

Exemptions- Does not apply to employees using fumigants unless

label requires.

Does not need to be worn in an enclosed cab or if using a closed system, but need to be available for when employee exits the cab.

Closed System! A closed system shall be

provided to employees who mix or load pesticides in category one.

Category one= Danger!

Exceptions: If the employee handles

less than 1 gallon per day. (Based on container size,

not amount of concentrated pesticides mixed.)

Emergency Medical Care

CCR 6726 states: (b) “… The employer shall post in a prominent place…the name, address and telephone number of a facility able to provide emergency medical care whenever employees will be handling pesticides…”

Handler Decontamination Facilities CCR 6734 (a) Handler Decontamination

Facilities -Water, soap, and single use towels. Don’t forget the soap (hand sanitizers are not soap)!

Disciplinary Policy

How can employers protect themselves?

Have an Employee Disciplinary Policy Have a progressive disciplinary action program for

violators (first offense verbal reprimand, 2nd offense 2 days off without pay, 3rd offense dismissal)

Make sure employees read, understand, sign, and comply!

Train employee annually or sooner if necessary.

Impacts of bad decisions……… If an employee or owner does not wear

the required personal protective equipment: Fine range is from $250 to $1000. Plus risk of serious injury.

If an employee or owner does not wear the required personal protective equipment, and is injured: Fine range is from $700 to $5000. In addition to doctors bills, loss of work,

possible law suit, and health affects including death.

Templeton Office 434-5950 1 – Crystal 434-4898 2 – Jennifer 434-4891

3 – Dale 434-4897 4 – Laura 434-4892

For more information San Luis Obispo County Agricultural Dept.

Arroyo Grande 805. 473-7090 San Luis Obispo 805. 781-5910 Templeton 805. 434-5950 www.slocounty.ca.gov/agcomm

Department of Pesticide Regulation

www.cdpr.ca.gov

• University of California • http://ucanr.edu/sites/Ground_Squirrel_BMP/