LARMAC contracts with Animal Pest Management Services, a licensed pest control company, to monitor and manage general pest and rodent populations throughout the community. Tamper-resistant rodent bait stations are used in select common areas to help control rat populations. These stations are one component of the community’s rodent management program.
- Common rodent and nuisance animal species include gophers, rats, mice, and ground squirrels. Note - rats are treated as part of an ongoing monthly bait station program (details below), while all other rodents are treated as needed and in isolated areas, typically work-order-driven.
- APM also provides the following only as necessary:
- Flea control treatments at designated areas, such as Wagsdale Dog Park, when monitoring indicates treatment is necessary.
- Treatment of Fire Ants in populated common areas when reported or activity is observed
- Bee hive removal as reported and/or identified. These are most commonly found in irrigation valve boxes along pathways and trails.
Why Rodent Control is Necessary:
- Rodents may transmit diseases and parasites that affect people and pets, and may attract predators and other nuisance wildlife.
- Rodent populations can damage irrigation systems, slopes, turf, plant materials, and community amenities.
- Burrowing activity can create soil instability and trip hazards.
Integrated Rodent Management:
Because Ladera Ranch includes extensive landscaped areas, open spaces, parks, trails, and natural habitat interfaces, ongoing monitoring is necessary to keep rodent populations at acceptable levels. APM utilizes a variety of management practices, including:
- Routine monitoring and inspection of rodent activity.
- Identification of active burrows and nesting locations.
- Targeted treatment of specific problem areas.
- Evaluation of environmental conditions that contribute to rodent activity.
- Strategic placement of rodent control devices only where necessary. APM bait stations are:
- Professionally installed and regularly maintained by licensed pest management professionals.
- Locked and tamper-resistant to prevent access by children, pets, and unauthorized individuals.
- Securely anchored to prevent movement, tipping, or removal.
- Designed to allow access only to targeted rodent species through small entry openings.
- Contain bait secured internally on locking rods that cannot be removed without unlocking the station using a specialized service key.
Consistent with LARMAC’s IPM philosophy, rodent control does not rely solely on baiting. In addition to the bait stations, LARMAC maintains multiple owl boxes and at least one raptor perch to support natural predator activity. LARMAC’s objective is not to eliminate all rodents from the environment. The goal is to maintain rodent populations at levels that protect public health, infrastructure, landscape investments, and recreational amenities while minimizing impacts to non-target species.
