Rhode Island to phase out sale of rat poisons under new law

(WJAR) — Rhode Island will begin phasing out the sale of certain rat poisons after Gov. Dan McKee signed new legislation into law Thursday, making the Ocean State the second in the nation to adopt restrictions on the products.

The law targets first- and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, commonly used to control rats and mice.

Supporters say the poisons are harming wildlife, while critics argue they are among the most effective tools available to manage rodent populations.

Under the law, the sale of first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides will be prohibited beginning March 1, 2027.

Restrictions on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides will take effect Jan. 1, 2028. A statewide prohibition on both types is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2029.

Licensed commercial applicators and certain public health, agricultural and municipal uses are exempt from the restrictions.

The legislation was backed by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, which says the poisons can move through the food chain and kill predators that feed on rodents.

“Across the country, and again, with Rhode Island making this move, the second only to California, we’ve seen just too many cases of off-species targets either being sickened or worse with these rodenticides,” said Maxwell McFarland, director of advocacy for the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.

McFarland said birds of prey such as hawks, owls and eagles are particularly vulnerable because they consume poisoned rodents.

“What we’re seeing is these are accumulating in the natural predators meant to manage these rodent populations,” McFarland said. “So primarily our hawks, owls and eagles.”

According to McFarland, wildlife rehabilitators in Rhode Island have documented widespread exposure to the poisons among injured birds brought into their care.

“They’ve had hundreds of raptors admitted into their care over the past couple of years, and every single one has shown signs of anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning,” he said.

Supporters of the law say reducing the use of rodenticides will encourage communities to adopt alternative pest-control methods, including improved sanitation, securing trash and sealing buildings to prevent rodent access.

The law also creates a voluntary municipal Integrated Pest Management pilot program aimed at helping communities transition away from anticoagulant rodenticides.

Not everyone supports the change.

Tony DeJesus, former vice president of Big Blue Bug Solutions, said the restrictions will make it more difficult for homeowners and businesses to control rats and mice. (WJAR)

Tony DeJesus, former vice president of Big Blue Bug Solutions, said the restrictions will make it more difficult for homeowners and businesses to control rats and mice.

“It’s gonna have a major impact on our business. And not only that, but on the homeowners,” DeJesus said.

DeJesus said over-the-counter rodent control products commonly used by homeowners will no longer be available once the law takes effect.

“Homeowners will not be able to go out anymore and buy things like Decon and some of the other over-the-counter baits once this goes into effect,” he said.

He also expressed concern about the impact on restaurants and public health.

“The main thing is that when we start talking about how this is gonna affect it, rats carry disease,” DeJesus said. “Food poisoning is associated with both rats and mice in restaurants and things.”

DeJesus pointed to California, which enacted similar restrictions, as a cautionary example.

“The proof in the pudding is the state of California that did the same thing three years ago,” he said. “And now Los Angeles has been voted the rattiest city in the United States.”

McFarland said the legislation provides communities and pest-control companies with time to adapt before the restrictions fully take effect.

“We believe that it’s a fair timeline where communities, municipalities and pest management companies can learn, unlearn rather, the status quo of how they’re applying these rodenticides,” he said.

The Audubon Society said Rhode Island’s law follows similar action taken in California and comes as other New England states consider comparable legislation.

State officials say the first restrictions under the new law will take effect in March 2027.