Pest Control

The first confirmed case of clubroot was found in the southeast portion of Rocky View County in September 2018. Clubroot is a soil-borne disease of cruciferous crops (canola) which causes swellings or galls to form on the roots and ultimately causes a premature death of the plant. 

There is currently no treatment for this disease, but it is possible to reduce its severity by using best management practices including: appropriate crop rotation, scouting fields regularly, washing and sanitizing equipment, and seeding resistant varieties of canola. 

• Clubroot of Canola Disease Cycle

Report all suspect rat sightings to Agricultural Services at 403.230.1401 for further action or contact rats@gov.ab.ca. All sightings will be investigated to verify identification, establish control measures and determine the possible source of conveyance. Anyone found to be raising or harboring rats may face a maximum $5,000 fine or 60 days in jail. 

The Agricultural Pests Act directs Agricultural Nuisances may be controlled. Some problem nuisances in the county include: 

• Agricultural Nuisances
• Richardson’s ground squirrel
• Northern pocket gopher
• Skunks
• Coyotes
• Magpies

The Northern Pocket Gopher is a burrowing rodent noted for the mounds of loose soil characteristic of their presence.

Richardson's Ground Squirrels are commonly referred to as gophers. These rodents are a pest to agricultural producers and cause significant crop losses. Early season control efforts are key to reducing season-long problems. 

• Gopher Control

Learn more about controlling pocket gopher and Richardson Ground Squirrels by reading this factsheet or viewing the video.

Skunks are abundant and thrive particularly in areas inhabited by humans.  They will shelter under buildings and decks, brush piles and in open sheds. They feed on pet food, spillage from bird feeders, garden produce, compost and garbage.

Control

Shooting and trapping are the most common approaches to control.

You can also try a recipe for deskunking dogs, cats and other pets.

Contact us by email or call at 403-230-1401 if you’d like to rent a trap.

Coyotes are a natural scavenger and serve a beneficial role preying on mice and other small rodents.  They are highly adaptable and will learn to take advantage of opportunities to prey on vulnerable livestock.

If you are a livestock owner and are concerned about nuisance coyotes, you can shoot them on your own property, or give permission to permit holders of trapping licenses to trap, snare or shoot coyotes on your property.

The County will also provide guidance to assist livestock producers with managing predators as well as aid in the removal of coyotes when predation occurs.

Prevention

Dead animals are the main diet for coyotes in the winter months.  As a result, it is important that you quickly dispose of all dead livestock and afterbirth to reduce coyote predators. 

Magpies are abundant in all areas of Alberta and have an extremely varied diet dependent on local opportunities for scavenging and small prey.  We have live capture traps available for rent to help manage this species. Individuals must ensure the capture and disposal of pests in a safe and humane manner.