Lowell – In a significant and conscious decision, the Lowell Housing Authority (LHA), following suit of the City of Lowell, “voted Wednesday night in favor of a one-year contract with Modern Pest Services to utilize their Integrated Pest Management plan”, stated Board Commissioner and Chairman Rodney Elliott.

The plan will ensure that Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) are phased out on all LHA properties.

The decision made during the monthly board meeting was in favor of implementing a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan with the assistance of Modern Pest Services, who are currently engaged in the City of Lowell’s rat control initiative.

The new policy aims to create safer living environments for residents while promoting sustainable practices in pest control. The IPM plan focuses on prevention, monitoring, and, when necessary, the use of targeted treatments that minimize risks to human health and the ecosystem.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents and the environment,” said Executive Director Tha Chhan. “By adopting this approach, we are effectively addressing pest issues”, Chhan added.

The resolution came after extensive discussions on the harmful effects of rodenticides, which have been shown to pose risks to wildlife, pets and humans. The Lowell Housing Authority is confident that the new IPM plan will reduce pest populations through more effective and environmentally responsible strategies.

Residents will be educated, and inspections will be conducted quarterly along with structural maintenance. Control measures will be utilized with an emphasis on non-chemical methods and Modem Pest Services, as an integral part of their program, will adjust thresholds and methods based on monitoring data.

The Lowell Housing Authority looks forward to collaborating with Modem Pest Services to enhance the quality of life for all residents.