Pest Control

Strychnine Stewardship Program

The program was launched spring 2026 following the approval of an Emergency Use Registration (EUR) for strychnine by Canada’s Pesticides Regulatory Directorate (formerly the Pest Management Regulatory Agency). The EUR is valid until November 1, 2027. To meet the requirements of the EUR, the Strychnine Stewardship Program emphasizes environmental protection, user accountability and integrated pest management (IPM), while permitting targeted strychnine use in areas with the most serious, production-damaging RGS infestations.

If you farm in an eligible RM, you can take the following steps to purchase strychnine:

Step 1: Complete online training

A 90-minute online training course, available at SARM website, covers stewardship, best management practices and all EUR requirements.

Training is mandatory for all strychnine users and must be completed before the product can be purchased.

Step 2: Submit the required form

Submit the mandatory Treatment Plan and Declaration Form, which is available at RM offices or Richardson’s Ground Squirrel Management webpage.

Step 3: Purchase through your RM

Once the training and Treatment Plan and Declaration form are complete, you can purchase strychnine from the RM you identified when registering for training.

Strychnine is distributed among participating RMs with a per-producer cap to manage supply. While deliveries will be made to participating RMs throughout the summer, supplies will be limited. Check with your RM to determine availability.

Step 4: Apply during eligible windows

Strychnine use is only recommended within the following application windows: prior to green up (March 1 to June 15) and late summer following dry down of green material (July 15 to September 1).

Once applied, monitoring is a key component of the Strychnine Stewardship Program. All users must monitor the application site for the presence of carcasses, unused bait and the species at risk at least daily for the first week after application and then weekly for another three weeks. Additional monitoring may be required based on the species-at-risk assessment completed in the Treatment Plan and Declaration Form.

As part of the Strychnine Stewardship Program, unused strychnine must be returned to the RM office where it was purchased.

If all program requirements are not met, the Pesticides Regulatory Directorate may not grant additional EURs or full registration of strychnine in the future.

By following these steps, you reduce environmental risks, protect non target species and support integrated pest management. Your stewardship demonstrates responsible and transparent practices that help maintain access to effective, science-based pest control.

Strychnine Stewardship Program Guide

Alternative Control Methods

There are other rodenticides available for RGS management. They must be used at the right time and in the right way. They can be combined with other control methods to manage RGS populations in Saskatchewan. Suggested alternative chemical controls and integrated pest management strategies can be reviewed at Richardson’s Ground Squirrel Management  or SARM Gopher Control Program webpage.webpage.