Rodenticide usage for pest control is becoming rampant and has devastating impacts on wildlife, say those advocating for their discontinued use.

Instead of solving the problem, these poisons are killing wildlife including rodents’ natural predators, as well as pets, according to advocates against their use. Rodents who eat rodenticides from bait boxes are then consumed by predators, who are poisoned in turn. Homeowners may not even know that their own pest management systems uses rodenticides and are contributing to what has been called “the new DDT.”

The practice of rodenticides begs the urgent question, said Wild Ones Midcoast Maine, "Are rodenticides causing the next Silent Spring?"

Wild Ones Midcoast Maine and Camden Public Library will present “The Truth About Rodenticides,” a community event featuring a panel of experts from around the state who will educate us about rodenticides from their unique perspectives.

The discussion will take place June 23, 6 p.m., at the Camden Public Library.

"We will also learn about effective methods of Integrated Pest Management that don’t use these dangerous poisons," the release said. "Pest management experts will display rodenticide-free rodent control options including snap trap boxes and the Smart Home Defense system, a data driven rodent control technology.

"Following brief presentations by each panel member, we will open up the room to Q&A and discussion. The goal of the evening is to spread awareness of this crisis, get up to date on related legislation, learn about alternatives, ask questions, share dialogue, and take a concrete step towards protecting our wildlife. Everyone is welcome."

Rodenticides that target rodents are actually devastating our native wildlife, including the very animals that naturally control rodent populations.

Experts on the panel are to include:

• Jacquie Gage and Heléna Malone of Rodenticide-Free Maine Coalition
• Anthony Erwin, Maine Audubon Policy Advocate
• Don Hoenig, former Maine State Veterinarian
• Avery Berkowitz and Stephanie Lindsell of Maine Wildlife Rehabilitation
• Jennifer Marchigiani of Misfits Rehab
• Jacque Fanning of Warren Brook Wildlife Rehabilitation
• Wildlife ecologist Richard Podolsky
• Local managers of Modern Pest Services, Augusta

The Maine Legislature passed legislation that is a first step in limiting the use of Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARS) by individuals. However, the reality of the bill (LD 356) is more complex.

"At this event we will learn about where the bill stands, its harmful loopholes, and why we need to do much more," the release said.