Vertebrate Pest Control Research Program

The objectives of the Vertebrate Pest Control Research Program established and administered by the Secretary of CDFA are:

1. To investigate effective and economical alternative materials for the control of vertebrate pests.
2. To solicit and consider research proposals for alternative humane methods of control.
3. To continue the state's current vertebrate pest control product registrations until such time as effective alternative products are available.
4. To fund research for the development of scientific data required to maintain registrations.
5. To cooperate with U S Department of Agriculture in funding research programs to maintain, develop, and register vertebrate pest control materials used in California.

Each year ground squirrels, pocket gophers, voles, rats, birds and other animals cause millions of dollars of damage to California agriculture. Farmers, park managers, foresters, and others, including homeowners, use an integrated approach to deal with these important and sometimes devastating pest problems. An essential part of these management programs is the use of rodenticide baits such as anticoagulants, zinc phosphide, burrow fumigants such as gas cartridges, and bird control devices.

In 1990, the Rodenticide Surcharge Program (Assembly Bill 2776) requested each agricultural commissioner to collect a fee or surcharge of 50 cents for each pound of vertebrate pest control material sold, distributed, or applied by the county. The money generated by this surcharge is used to fund the research required by the EPA to maintain current registrations, payment of registration fees, to improve existing rodenticides, and to find new materials and methods to solve vertebrate pest problems.

Vertebrate Pest Control Research Advisory Committee (VPCRAC)

For VPCRAC meeting agendas, please visit our Meetings page.

Vertebrate Research and Classification

Vertebrate Types

Rats, mice, gophers, squirrels, birds and rabbits

Deer, mountain lions, bears

Agencies to Contact Regarding Wildlife Damage Problems

CDFW Nutria Information Page

Agencies to Contact Regarding Wildlife Damage Problems

1. First contact your local County Agricultural Commissioner for information or assistance.
2. Find your County Agricultural Commissioners