Commercial class rodenticides tamper-resistant bait stations requirements

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ISBN: 978-0-660-72381-5

Date published: 2024-07-26

This document summarizes the requirements related to tamper-resistant bait stations for the use of commercial rodenticides under the Pest Control Products Act.

Only certified pest control operators, farmers and persons authorized in governmental-approved pest control programs are allowed to use commercial class rodenticides products.

Read and follow the label

All pesticides registered in Canada have a Health Canada-approved label with a registration number. Read the pesticide label carefully as it contains specific information on how to use it.

Using a pesticide contrary with the label directions is a violation of the Pest Control Products Act.

General requirements for bait stations

All bait stations must:

Have an internal structure that prevents the bait from being shaken loose.
Have an access panel that closes securely and locks (e.g. using screws or a padlock).
Bear the product name, active ingredient, guarantee, registration number, "WARNING POISON", and the skull and crossbones symbol, as in the following example:

Figure 1. Example of the information to appear on a bait station.

Figure 1 - Text description

A box depicting an example of a bait station sticker with the following mandatory elements: product name, name of active ingredient, guarantee, registration number, "WARNING- POISON", and the skull and crossbones symbol.

Bait stations requirements depending on the location

Location	Bait station type	Additional requirement
Indoor Accessible to children but not accessible to pets or livestock	Tier 3 tamper-resistant	Made of high-strength material (e.g. metal or injection molded plastic) resistant to destruction by children Has an entrance designed so that children cannot reach the bait
Indoor Accessible to children and to pets or livestock	Tier 2 tamper-resistant	Same requirements as Tier 3, plus: Resistant to destruction by non-target animals Have an entrance designed so that non-target animals cannot reach the bait
Outdoor Placement above ground, in locations accessible to children, pets and non-target wildlife.	Tier 1 tamper-resistant	Same requirements as Tier 2, plus: Resistant to destruction or weakening by elements of bad weather (such as snow, rain, extremes of temperature and humidity and direct sunshine)

Requirements around structures

All outdoor, above ground (i.e. exposed to the surface) placements of bait products must be contained in tamper-resistant bait stations if bait placement is within reach of children, pets, livestock or non-target wildlife.
- slot floor "holes" and burrows are considered locations "below-ground level" and out-of-reach of children. In these cases, a bait station would not be necessary.
Around structures and buildings, bait should be placed within 15 m of the structure, or within 100 m along a fence if the station is securely fastened to the fence (e.g. nailed down) or to the ground.

For more information

Re-evaluation note REV2010-17, Risk mitigation measures for eight rodenticides. The Health Canada-approved label is the official document for enforcement purposes. In the event of any discrepancy with the contents of this factsheet, the information on the label shall prevail.

To find the most up-to-date label, use Health Canada's Online Label Search Tool

Health Canada's Pesticide Compliance Program(PCP) is responsible for the enforcement of the Pest Control Products Act.

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Date modified:: 2024-07-26