Federal regulations removing strychnine as a pest control measure for gophers has left farmers without an effective and popular chemical control.
Since strychnine, which is harmful to raptors and animals eating poisoned gophers, was de-registered in 2023 the Saskatchewan government has developed a pest biosecurity program.
The Gopher Control Program, part of pest biosecurity, has had double the uptake in clams this year.
The program assists with costs of registered pest control products and raptor platforms.
The raptor platforms encourage predatory birds and hawks to nest, creating an appetite for gophers to feed the young.
Assistance covers up to 50 per cent of pest control products and up to $125 per raptor platform.
The program is administered through the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities.
The pest biosecurity program also handles management of invasive weeds, rats, beavers, and plant diseases declared under pest legislation.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
