A full-time pest control officer implements the Government of Alberta Agricultural Pests Act and Regulations, providing advice and assistance to Leduc County residents with the control of problem beavers and predatory coyotes. The pest control officer will work with the property owner to help remove nuisance animals and help limit future losses.

Beaver Control Work

The pest control officer's priorities are to protect Leduc County's valuable assets such as roads and bridges and to assist agricultural producers by preventing the flooding of agricultural lands. Working within the requirements outlined by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the pest control officer can remove beaver dams with the use of explosives where necessary after Alberta One Call requirements are met by the property owner. Minimum distance protocols as established by utility and government guidelines must be strictly adhered to.

Coyote Control Work

The pest control officer becomes involved with coyote concerns once harassment or predation has been confirmed on livestock. The pest control officer will investigate, providing management advice where applicable and assisting with control options when necessary.

Avoid Human-Coyote Conflict 

Preventing Livestock Predation


Richardson's Ground Squirrel

Pest Management Regulatory Agency (under Health Canada) has approved registration of 2% liquid strychnine concentrate (LSC) to agricultural producers experiencing "economically significant" infestations of Richardson's Ground Squirrels on croplands and rangelands. "Economically significant" is defined as a population of Richardson's Ground Squirrels at 1 hole per 4 paces or 20% crop damage in a 100 metre strip of crop. The 2% LSC product is available only through municipal offices with a mandatory requirement for training and is registered for use on Richardson's ground squirrels only. This product may not be used in residential or public areas (or areas frequented by the public).

Please contact the Pest Control Officer for additional information about various approaches for the control of Richardson's Ground Squirrels at 780-955-4593.

Timing is Key to Control

Monitoring RGS

Northern Pocket Gopher 

An extensive research trial performed by Alpha Wildlife Research and Management has asserted that trapping remains the most effective means of controlling pocket gopher infestations.

Trapping Incentive Program: Nothern Pocket Gopher
The Agricultural Service Board has approved funding of $3500 for the 2012 trapping incentive program for northern pocket gophers. A trapping incentive of $1 per tail is available to Leduc County residents for a maximum of $150 per program participant. 

2012 Trapping Incentive Program: NPG

Northern Pocket Gopher Identification

For other nuisance animals such as skunks, porcupines and magpies, a variety of humane live traps for capture are available for rent to Leduc County residents.