PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2026
Winchester Adopts Policy to Ban Use of Anticoagulant Rodenticides on Municipal Properties
WINSTED, CT — The Town of Winchester Board of Selectmen voted on October 5, 2026, to adopt a new Anticoagulant Rodenticide Policy on Municipal Properties, establishing a more environmentally responsible approach to rodent control on Town-owned and Town-maintained property.
The policy is intended to protect public health and municipal property while reducing risks to wildlife, pets, children, and the environment. Anticoagulant rodenticides can affect more than their intended targets. Animals that consume poisoned rodents including birds of prey and other natural predators can also be exposed through secondary poisoning.
“This is a commonsense policy that allows us to effectively address rodent problems while being more thoughtful about the methods we use,” said Town Manager Paul Harrington. “Our goal is not to stop controlling rodents. It is to make sure we are doing it responsibly and using prevention and safer alternatives before turning to anticoagulant poisons.”
Under the new policy, beginning November 1, 2026, the routine use of first-generation and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides will be prohibited on Town property. The policy applies to municipal buildings, grounds, parks, recreational areas, open spaces, public rights-of-way, and work performed on those properties by Town departments, contractors, vendors, and pest-management professionals.
Instead, Winchester will emphasize Integrated Pest Management, including improved sanitation, eliminating food and water sources, sealing entry points, habitat modification, monitoring, and appropriate non-anticoagulant control methods.
The policy also recognizes the important role that natural predators play in controlling rodent populations. Predators such as owls, hawks, foxes, snakes, and other wildlife can themselves be harmed by rodenticides after consuming poisoned rodents.
The policy maintains flexibility for genuine public health or safety emergencies. The Board of Selectmen may authorize a temporary waiver when a significant rodent infestation creates a documented health or safety concern and Integrated Pest Management measures or less-toxic alternatives have proven unsuccessful or insufficient. Any approved waiver must be limited in scope and will be posted on the Town’s website.
“This is about finding a better balance,” Harrington added. “We have a responsibility to maintain safe municipal facilities, but we also have a responsibility to be good stewards of our parks, open spaces, wildlife, and natural environment. Winchester can do both.”
