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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/