Since January 21, 2023, British Columbia bans the sale and use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) in residential settings and in non-essential commercial settings, under the province’s Integrated Pest Management Regulation. Exemptions exist for designated essential services and agricultural operations.
Mechanical traps are not poisons, so these rodenticide rules don’t apply to them. Snap traps used with good placement and sanitation are the main non-poison option for homes, strata buildings and most businesses.
What is banned, and what isn’t
- Banned for homes and non-essential businesses: SGARs, such as brodifacoum, bromadiolone and difethialone.
- Still legal: first-generation anticoagulants (such as warfarin, chlorophacinone and diphacinone) and some non-anticoagulant rodenticides (such as bromethalin).
- Essential services that may still use SGARs must follow an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.
- Traps (snap traps, enclosed traps, glue boards) are not rodenticides.
Rules can change, and municipalities can add their own restrictions on public land. Check the Government of British Columbia’s pest management pages for the current regulation.
Why the province restricted SGARs
SGARs are long-lasting poisons. Owls, hawks, foxes and pets can be poisoned by eating rats that ate the bait. That secondary poisoning was the main reason for the restrictions.
How to control rats without poison
- Find the route. Rats run along walls, fences and foundations. Look for droppings, grease marks and burrows.
- Set several rat-sized traps flat against the wall on that route, 2–3 m apart.
- Bait lightly: a pea-sized dab of peanut butter in the bait cup.
- Check daily, wear gloves, empty and reset.
- Remove food and shelter: close compost and garbage bins, clean up bird seed and pet food, cut back ivy and clear clutter near walls.
- Seal entry points once activity stops.
A reusable, poison-free rat trap
The ZIVASKA Reusable Dual-Tunnel Rat Trap is a mechanical trap with no poison: two entry points, a 24 g+ trigger sized for Norway and roof rats, and an enclosed mechanism you empty without touching the catch. It is designed for indoor use and sheltered outdoor spots such as fence lines, shed walls and under deck edges.
Safety: keep traps out of reach of children, pets and non-target animals, and follow the instructions in the box.
Frequently asked questions
Are rat traps legal under BC’s rodenticide (SGAR) ban?
Yes. The ban covers second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (poisons). Mechanical traps are not rodenticides, so the SGAR rules don’t apply to them.
When did BC ban second-generation rodenticides?
A temporary ban started in July 2021 and permanent rules took effect on January 21, 2023, banning SGAR sale and use in residential and non-essential commercial settings, with exemptions for essential services and agriculture.
Can I still buy rat poison in BC?
Second-generation anticoagulants are banned for homes and non-essential businesses. Some first-generation anticoagulants and non-anticoagulant rodenticides remain legal. Check the current BC regulation before buying.
What is the best alternative to rat poison?
Several rat-sized mechanical traps placed along the rat’s route, checked daily, combined with removing food sources and sealing entry points.
ZIVASKA is a Canadian, women-owned small business in Burnaby, BC. Free shipping across Canada. Pickup in Burnaby by appointment only.