Mice and rats continue to overwhelm our Rhode Island communities, despite hundreds of black boxes containing these rat poisons littering our cities and towns. Rodenticides aren’t working; instead, they accumulate in predators like owls, hawks, and eagles and kill them.
Join Audubon in Protecting Raptors Against Rodenticides
In 2024 & 2025, Audubon Society of Rhode Island made it a priority to advocate for the first-ever bill to ban the use and sale of rat poison in Rhode Island, and we continue to do so in 2026!
View the 2026 Rhode Island Legislation:
House Bill 7222 | Senate Bill T.B.D.
Barred Owl by Jenny Zhao courtesy of Mass Audubon
Add your name to the hundreds of Rhode Islanders who say "YES, I support ending the use of deadly rat poisons in Rhode Island!"
You'll be added to our 2026 legislation support list and subscribed to receive email updates and alerts on this issue.
More on Rodenticides and the Safer Alternatives
Commonly used poisons called Anticoagulant Rodenticides are lethal pesticides used in an attempt to control rodent populations. Black box bait stations containing these rat poisons are placed alongside homes, hotels, grocery stores, daycare centers, and more.
Rodenticides are proven to have devastating consequences on the ecosystem: any bird, wildlife or pet that eats poisoned rodents accumulates rodenticides in their own bodies, often leading to death. Since raptors consume thousands of rodents a year, they are particularly susceptible to these impacts. Safer alternatives exist, and when used together, are often more effective than simply relying on rodenticides.
Rhode Island’s wildlife rehabilitators agree that anticoagulant rodenticides impact many of the animals they treat. Watch a video of federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator Sheida Soleimani, who operates a clinic called Congress of the Birds, testify in 2024. Telling your story to the state legislators is a powerful way that you can help our efforts to ban rat poison and protect raptors.
You can reduce your rodent problem AND save thousands of raptors annually! Check out the resources below.
Audubon's Two-Pager on Integrated Pest Management
Great for sharing with businesses and neighbors!
Integrated Pest Management Toolkit
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a combination of strategies that modify the environment and make it less attractive for rodents. Check out this toolkit created by experts from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire Audubons.
Pest Prevention Resource Guide by the City of Providence
Review these prevention tips and guidance to help make your property “Rodent Ready!”
WATCH: Forum for Safe Rodent Control in New England
We brought together New England’s leading poison-free pest control professionals to discuss how to safely manage rodent problems. Watch to learn about their proven, wildlife-safe pest control approaches, then bring your knowledge home to advocate for an end to rodent poison use in your community!
