Friends of Brookline Raptors

We need your help to track and report broken bait boxes to protect our wildlife, pets, raptors, and children. 

What are broken bait boxes?

Bait boxes contain poisons for rodents, including rats. These stations frequently contain baits and snap traps, and there are different levels of bait stations that are available for use. Learn more about the tiers on EPA’s website. Bait stations are meant to reduce exposure to poisons, however, they can be destroyed or damaged. If they are damaged, by weather or another cause, humans or other wildlife such as raptors could be exposed to the poisons. 

Recognizing broken bait boxes

Bait stations often appear to be decorative rocks. If they are broken, you can often see a blue/green substance inside, which is often a SGAR. Common bait station locations include around a residence, next to a fast food restaurant, next to a dumpster, or on the rear of buildings. 

How to report broken bait boxes

Tracking and reporting broken bait boxes is a good way to minimize the damage that a broken bait box could have on the wildlife that surrounds it. If you encounter a bait box, always prioritize your safety. Rodent baits contain dangerous and poisonous material, so do not handle a box yourself. If the bait box is on private property, do not trespass, but still report it. To report a broken bait box, you should fill out this complaint form online. You can also email the chief pesticide inspector, Micheal McClean. His email is Michael.mcclean@mass.gov, and can be emailed with photos, dates, times, and specific locations of damaged bait stations. 

Thank you for doing your part in keeping raptors and wildlife safe!

by Josephine Ross, Brookline High School