Williamstown Joins Wave of Towns Restricting High-Toxicity Rodenticides

The Town of Williamstown has adopted a new policy that prohibits the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) on all municipally-owned properties effective December 1, 2025. The policy, as reported on the town website here, applies to buildings, grounds, parks, open spaces and public rights-of-way, and covers both town staff and contractors.

This move comes as part of a growing statewide alignment of local governments and conservation advocates. A recent article we published on Civics Corner here described how Williamstown is “stepping closer to a rat-poison ban” as local and state efforts converge.

Why it matters:

• SGARs pose risks to wildlife (including raptors), pets, and children, because they persist in animal tissues and can cause secondary poisoning.
• By focusing on less‐toxic integrated pest‐management methods first, the town ensures that high‐toxicity tools are only used under documented emergency waiver conditions.

The adoption of this policy marks a tangible step from conversation to action—and signals Williamstown’s leadership in aligning municipal practices with broader environmental and public-health goals. This is all part of our town's ongoing commitment to safer public spaces, healthy ecosystems, and community-driven governance.