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Agenda Item: 8 (d) |
Prepared By: Joseph Parrilli, Fleet & Facilities Manager |
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Business: Presentation |
Department: Fleet and Facilities |
Subject:
Title
Presentation - City of Marco Island Pest Control and Rodent Exclusion Services Summary - City Facilities and Parks- Joseph Parrilli, Fleet & Facilities Manager
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BACKGROUND:
This presentation outlines the City’s current pest control and rodent exclusion services across City-owned facilities, along with recommendations for potential adjustments to the rodent exclusion program to improve environmental outcomes and cost efficiency.
The Good Bites program has been discontinued due to a significant rat infestation at Mackle Park. In response, City staff have elected to implement a one-year trial of the Nature’s Defense product at Mackle Park. Nature’s Defense is an environmentally safe deterrent designed to discourage rodents, nuisance birds, and iguanas. Unless otherwise noted, all rodent exclusion methods referenced below involve the use of rodenticide.
Other Pest and Wildlife Control
With respect to requests for the City to trap or exterminate pests or wildlife on non-City-owned property, the City’s longstanding practice is to encourage residents to retain a licensed exterminator or trapper. Prior to FY2024, the City contracted with an iguana trapper at an annual cost of approximately $20,000. Residents would contact City Hall to have their addresses added to a service list, and the trapper would provide services until the allocated funds were exhausted. Each year, this approach resulted in resident frustration, as available funding was insufficient to address all requests.
During the FY2024 budget process, City staff recommended eliminating this program and instead directing residents to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website, which maintains a list of licensed trappers. City Council approved this recommendation, and staff communicated to the public that pest issues on private property-including bees, ants, iguanas, and other wildlife-are the responsibility of the property owner to resolve through a licensed exterminator or trapper.
Staff recommends continuing this policy, as there are no funds allocated in the FY2026 budget for pest or trapping services on private property. The City will, however, continue to provide all necessary pest control and trapping services on City-owned properties
Rodent Control Devices
The City currently maintains 95 rodent bait stations (“black boxes”) installed throughout City-owned properties. These stations are a core component of the City’s rodent exclusion program and, unless otherwise noted, utilize rodenticide to manage rodent activity. Placement and servicing of the bait stations are included within the City’s contracted pest control services and are focused on protecting City facilities, utilities, and high-use public areas.
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FUNDING SOURCE / FISCAL IMPACT:
The current total price for pest control annually is reflected below including rodent, common pest, and fire ant control.
1. Water and Sewer - $3,984.72
2. Fleet and Facilities - $11,448.48
3. Mackle Park Natures Defense trial $4,998.26
RODENT EXCLUSION PROGRAM
Current Annual Cost for Existing Rodent Exclusion Services for all city owned properties currently using rodenticide: $5,052.00
Estimated Annual Cost for Full Implementation of Natures Defense at All City Sites: $25,584.00
Pricing from Good Bites for a comparable, non-toxic rodent deterrent program similar to Natures Defense was not provided, despite multiple follow-up requests.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and discuss.
POTENTIAL MOTION: N/A