All of us want to put an end to the rampant rodent infestation taking place in and around the city, as do our neighboring communities. Caution, though, ought to be taken in terms of what measures should be taken and how best to implement them.

Concerns have arisen recently about the use of so-called rodenticides (rat poison) and the dangers they pose to our pets and wildlife. The effectiveness of these agents has also been called into question.

Green & Open Somerville hosted a presentation on rat poison, with Save Arlington Wildlife founder Laura Kiesel. The presentation explained how rodenticides harm the natural environment and the predators that kill rodents.

In the presentation, it was pointed out that Massachusetts has been hit by a string of high-profile wildlife deaths due to rodenticide poisoning, such as a Mystic River watershed resident bald eagle this past March. Further, incidents like these point to a wider epidemic taking place out of the spotlight.

According to Kiesel, climate change, a construction boom, and increased human density have led to a dramatic rise in rats in metro areas like Boston. Rat poison usually is the main method for dealing with the problem. But these poisons are killing local wildlife and pets and endanger our young children, while not actually proving at all effective in reducing rodents.

There are alternatives available to aid in rodent abatement, such as Somerville’s SMART pilot program that has contributed to the capture of thousands of rats.

So, let’s keep up the fight, but please use safe and sensible tactics as we do battle.