Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are a class of poisons that prevent blood clotting. When an animal ingests a lethal dose of an SGAR, it dies slowly, making it an easy target for predators. This makes SGARs harmful for predators and pets —when they prey on poisoned rodents, they develop painful and often fatal internal bleeding. While federal law bans the retail sale of SGARs, these poisons remain legal— and widely used—by licensed pest control professionals in Massachusetts. SGARs come in labeled black bait boxes and include: Brodifacoum (Brand names Mouser, Ratak, Talon) Bromadiolone (Maki Mini Blok, Contrac) Difenacoum (Di-Kill) Difethialone (First Strike, Hombre).
SGARs Harm Our Wildlife Veterinarians at the New England Wildlife Center report treating hundreds of raptors, foxes, and coyotes for critical SGAR poisoning each year. A recent study found that 100% of Red-tailed Hawks tested at a wildlife clinic in Massachusetts had SGARs in their bloodstreams. Even pets are often harmed—each year, MSPCA Angell Veterinary Hospital treats dozens of dogs, cats, and other household pets for SGAR poisoning.
The text above is copied from this excellent brochure published by Mass Audubon.
Groups in other towns are also working towards the goal of eliminating SGARS, suggesting other ways to kill rodents, and educating the public.
Statewide Action: Mass Audubon has a goal of getting a bill passed to stop the use of the dangerous rodenticides called SGARS. To support this effort groups need to act statewide in supporting these bills: Senate bill: S644, House bill: H965.
Local Action: To act locally we need to organize ourselves as Nahanters and accomplish three goals:
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Persuade our Town government to implement an Integrated Pest Management education program for landowners and property managers on the harms of SGARS and the importance of shifting to non-poison Integrated Pest Management.
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If our town is using SGARS, persuade our Town officials to eliminate or at least reduce the use of SGAR rodent poisons on public land.
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Generate a Home Rule Petition (HRP) at the 2026 Town Meeting which would allow the town to adopt a bylaw/ordinance to regulate SGAR rodent poisons on private property.