Iloilo LGU rejects use of chemicals to kill rats

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  — The Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) recommends the physical killing of rats instead of using chemicals in killing rats that infested about 48 hectares of rice lands in Iloilo province.

Reports had it that rat infestation had affected the towns of Leon, Alimodian, Sta. Barbara, Leganes, Zarraga, New Lucena, Cabatuan, Pototan, Mina, Badiangan, Lambunao, Calinog, Passi City, San Enrique, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas, Anilao, Barotac Viejo, Lemery, Concepcion, Batad and Estancia.

PAO chief Ildefonso Toledo explained the use of rodenticides may kill other living organisms on the farms. Even if the rat infestation seems alarming, it has negligible effect on rice production, he said.