The City of Dearborn has recently entered a contract with Orkin to place Anticoagulant Rodenticides in over 400 sewers throughout the city. These rodenticides are known to bioaccumulate in predators, posing a significant threat to our local wildlife and ecosystem. Bioaccumulation is a process where certain substances, like these rodenticides, build up in organisms at a rate faster than they can be broken down. This can lead to devastating effects on predatory animals who ingest rodents poisoned by these chemicals.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), anticoagulant rodenticides pose an unreasonable risk to birds and mammals that eat poisoned rodents (EPA Fact Sheet). Furthermore, multiple studies have shown that these types of poisons have been found in anywhere from 62-100% of tested predators. (Cooke et al., 2023; Lin et al., 2022; Sell et al. 2022; McKenzie et al., 2022; Murray 2020; Riley et al., 2018,; Gabriel, M. W 2018;  Elmeros et al., 2015; Elmeros et al., 2011; Christensen et al., 2012; Dowding et al., 2010; Walker et al., 2010; Giraudoux et al., 2006; Shore et al., 2003; Alterio et al., 1997; Berny et al., 1997; Murphy et al., 1998.) Links to these studies and more can be found at https://raptorsarethesolution.org/science-on-ars/

We must protect our local fauna from this harmful practice. We urge the City of Dearborn to reconsider its contract with Orkin and seek out alternative pest control methods that do not harm our precious ecosystem or endanger wildlife populations. One thing that can keep rats out of our sewer system is changing the covers with smaller openings or adding catch basins restricting any animal from invading our water supply.

Please sign this petition urging the City of Dearborn not only for the sake of our environment but also for preserving biodiversity for future generations.

For more information on controlling rats without the use of rodenticides you can also visit

https://www.facebook.com/share/APrLa9mksimdDaGE/?mibextid=K35XfP

******While we appreciate the support from neighboring cities and other states this petition should only be signed by residents of Dearborn, MI******