LAKELAND - Concerns about a ban on strychnine are being voiced by municipalities, due to the chemical’s effectiveness in helping control Richardson’s ground squirrels, also known as gophers.
The County of St. Paul confirmed it can no longer sell two per cent liquid strychnine for the control of Richardson’s ground squirrels and all supplies on hand were sold before March 4, which was the deadline imposed by Health Canada on the sale of the product.
“The Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) decided not to register the product after March 4, 2022. Residents will now need to rely on other less perfect controls,” reads information from the County of St. Paul. “There are some options available at local hardware or farm supply stores but most require more work and may not be as effective. Residents are encouraged to contact Health Canada PMRA to have strychnine brought back.”
The County of St. Paul has written letters and has been part of provincial resolutions asking the federal ministry to reinstate the product, but so far the policy on strychnine has not changed.
Producers can contact the PMRA and their local Member of Parliament if they have concerns about the decision.
“Our producers are really concerned,” said County of St. Paul Reeve Glen Ockerman, when speaking with Lakeland This Week. He noted the use of strychnine is one of the only effective lines of defense against the gophers.
“They’re a menace... by far, they probably do the most damage for our producers (of any pests).”
The County of St. Paul will continue to lobby to allow for farmers to use strychnine.
In 2021, a resolution was put forward by Stettler County through the Agricultural Service Boards (ASBs) for the registration of two per cent liquid strychnine, “To help maintain a level of Richardson ground squirrel infestation below economic threshold.”
The resolution also states: “Richardson’s Ground Squirrels are considered agricultural pests due to the substantial damage they cause to crops, livestock, and equipment which can result in economic losses for farmers.”
According to the Government of Canada, an evaluation of scientific information confirmed there are risks for non-target organisms, including species at risk, when using strychnine to control Richardson’s ground squirrels.
