Beth Lomartire

I am writing in support of HB1018. It is long past time for our state to discontinue use of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides. SGARs kill countless raptors (owls, bald eagles, etc.), fox, fishers, snakes, cats, dogs, and other predators in NH every year by preventing their blood from clotting. It is a horrific way to die. These poisons also seep into our soil and can even sicken our children. Myriad studies also show that rodents build immunity to SGARs, while their predators (as well as our pets and children) do not. Rodents pass immunity to their offspring, which is why SGARs become ineffective after a period of time at managing pest populations. By eliminating SGARs we can instead encourage natural predation for rodent pest management. In fact, a single owl family can eat 1,000 mice in a year. Why would we instead actively harm natural pest controllers? Because pest control companies want to make a few extra bucks by leaving a bunch of poisonous black boxes scattered around our homes and communities? There are other, more effective ways to manage pest populations, including encouraging natural predation. We value the health and safety of our wildlife, land, and families in NH. We can show that by passing HB1018.