Dogs are being used to detect and control rodent populations as the use of certain rodenticides is phased out in California, according to an April 9 announcement from University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. At a recent Vertebrate Pest Conference in Southern California, a yellow Labrador retriever named JJ demonstrated his skills at Mellano & Company’s flower farm in San Diego County.
The initiative reflects growing interest in non-toxic pest management methods due to new state legislation banning second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. The shift aims to reduce unintended harm to wildlife while still addressing persistent rodent problems on farms.
JJ, trained by Working Dogs for Conservation, has worked with handler Mark Vick for seven years. “The dogs give us insights into odor-based information beyond the limitations of what we can see,” said Vick. He added that dogs’ ability to interpret and communicate scent information makes them valuable partners for integrated pest management.
Farm owner Mike Mellano described the challenges rodents pose: “Once they chew on it, the integrity of the system is shot. We have leaks. Uniformity is gone. We have excess water. Poor crop performance. Poor yields.” Mellano collaborates with UC Cooperative Extension human-wildlife interactions advisor Niamh Quinn on research into alternative strategies.
Quinn said that detection dogs could help identify infestations early and reduce reliance on toxic controls: “We know that dogs can do amazing things, right? We’ve seen them sniff out cancer and COVID and bombs… Dogs have potential.” She noted public pressure against rodenticides is making working dogs more relevant again: “It’s an old school thing that’s becoming a new school thing,” Quinn said.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources secures funding through public contributions to support its programs according to the official website. The organization promotes sustainable practices for resilient ecosystems and economic vitality according to its official website, using nine research centers across diverse ecosystems as reported by UC ANR. It manages Cooperative Extension services throughout all 58 counties in California according to its official site, linking university research with community needs as recognized by UC ANR.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources conducts over 33,000 educational events annually with more than 18,000 volunteers involved according to its official website. Through these efforts, it delivers science-based information via workshops and partnerships aimed at supporting environmental stewardship and community development statewide as reported by UC ANR.
Looking ahead, Quinn emphasized caution before fully endorsing dog-based pest control: “Our integrated pest management toolbox is just becoming more and more restricted with legislation surrounding pesticide in California. It’s important to explore the viability of alternative tools,” she said. “But we need to know if they work.”