Rodent Complaints Surge in Langley as Health Authority Reports Rise

The number of rodent-related complaints in the Langley area has significantly increased, according to data from the Fraser Health Authority (FHA). Between January 2023 and December 2024, there were 85 complaints logged in the City of Langley, Township, Fort Langley, and Aldergrove. This marks a dramatic rise from the 22 complaints recorded in the preceding two years, highlighting escalating concerns about pest control in the region.

Timothy Millard, Health Protection Manager at FHA, attributed this surge to two main factors: restrictions on certain rodent poisons and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millard noted that recent changes in pest control regulations have limited the use of effective rodenticides, specifically the ban on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) for general public use in British Columbia. This policy aims to minimize the risk of wildlife poisoning when non-target animals consume poisoned rodents.

Regulatory Changes and Their Impact

The ban on SGARs, which began in 2023, restricts their use to licensed essential services and prohibits them in residential areas, parks, schools, and retail environments. “There has been a change in what types of pest control, what types of baits can be used,” Millard explained. The provincial government has recommended an integrated pest management approach, emphasizing that prevention is key to long-term control strategies.

Additionally, Millard observed that the pandemic led to reduced foot traffic in restaurants and a decline in staffing levels. This situation made regular maintenance and pest control more challenging. “During COVID, we had less people going to restaurants,” he stated. “We had staffing get lower, so just general maintenance and upkeep was more difficult.” This shift allowed rodents to establish themselves more firmly, making subsequent eradication efforts increasingly difficult.

Strategies for Effective Pest Management

To combat the rising rodent population, FHA field staff are actively collaborating with businesses to ensure adequate pest control measures are in place. They may suggest engaging pest management companies to provide targeted support. Once the situation stabilizes, businesses can resume managing pests independently.

Millard emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance in pest management. “Keeping rodents at bay requires constant discipline to keep working at it,” he remarked. “You have to have that continual maintenance.” The rising number of complaints serves as a reminder that effective pest control is an ongoing process, not a one-time solution.

As communities in Langley and surrounding areas navigate these challenges, the FHA continues to monitor the situation closely, advocating for practices that promote effective pest management and community health.