Pest Control
Learn about common agricultural pests and diseases in the County, available control options, and where to report pest concerns.
Pest Control
The County of St. Paul conducts surveys during the summer to keep a vigilant eye out to prevent invasive pests and diseases from establishing and to contain them if found. Pests and diseases can affect both crops and livestock, so the County has identified our biggest culprits.
Livestock Predation
Various methods can be used to protect livestock from being threatened or damaged. These are not population control tactics, but rather prevention and deterrents. Call Public Works to discuss potential methods with our ASB staff.
Bait and Chemical Control
Mouse bait and other chemical pest control options can be purchased from local retailers where staff hold a Pesticide Applicator License. In the St. Paul region, this includes retailers such as UFA and the Seed Cleaning Plant. Only bona fide farmers can purchase these items.
Types of Pests
Richardson Ground Squirrels
Pest
Commonly known as gophers. Timing is key for controls, as they should be in place for April/May, when males emerge above ground and before females return underground to have their litter.
Cultural controls can be continuous, such as not overgrazing pastures, leaving vegetation to grow longer, and building wildlife habitats (e.g. nesting boxes, perches) to encourage natural predation. Chemical controls can be purchased through your local retailer, such as Zinc Phosphide (fast-acting acute rodenticide) and Rozol/Ground Force (slower multi-feed bait).
Emergency Strychnine sales have been halted, and the 2026 application window is now closed. Sales will resume in Spring 2027 before the spring application window.
Beavers
Pest
Beaver activity can cause flooding of land, leading to detrimental impacts on County infrastructure, including culverts, bridges, roads, approaches, and drainage works. The County provides services and seasonal programs to help control this activity and mitigate potential effects.
The Beaver Reduction Incentive Program runs in the spring and the fall for the lawful removal of beavers to address problem areas. The County also hires a seasonal trapper to provide additional removal services. Contact ASB staff at Public Works to find out more.
The 2026 Fall Program is open from September 1 to October 31.
Clubroot
Disease
Clubroot is a serious soil-borne disease of canola, mustard, and other crops in the cabbage family. This disease can significantly reduce yields and quality, potentially even destroying a crop if infestations are high.
Field inspections in the County are conducted each summer. If a field is verified to have clubroot by a laboratory test, the landowner will be notified by County ASB staff and a Clubroot Pest Notice will be issued.
Predators
Pest
As a rural agricultural community, livestock producers in the County may experience predator pressures, specifically from coyotes and wolves, resulting in livestock losses and other predation risks.
The Predator Management Incentive Program is financially supported by the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society’s Wildlife Management Fund (WMF) and is hosted through the St. Paul Fish & Game Association. The Program follows annual dates, announced before each opening, and provides an incentive for the lawful harvest of coyotes and wolves within the County as a practical agricultural support measure.
The February 1-April 1, 2026, intake is now closed.
Wild Boars
Pest
Wild boars can damage property, crops, pastures, and the surrounding environment, as well as known to endanger people and animals. In December 2025, the Alberta government declared wild boar and their hybrids to be a pest throughout Alberta, not just when at large. Regulations have been updated to reflect this change.
As part of the "Squeal on Pigs" initiative to prevent growth and spread of wild boar populations, residents are to report any sightings either to:
- The Province at [email protected] or call 310-3276 (FARM)
- The County at [email protected] or call 780-645-3006 (press 5)
Rats
Pest, Disease
Though Alberta is considered rat-free, this does not mean we don’t have rats in the province. Most rats come into Alberta by 'hitching' rides on vehicles coming in from Saskatchewan or British Columbia. Rats can reproduce quickly, so if there are more than two an infestation is declared.
Rats can sometimes be mistaken for muskrats or other similar rodents. If you believe you have come across a rat, dead or alive:
- Take a picture.
- Note the location.
- Email [email protected] or call 310-7287 (RATS)
- If the critter is identified as a rat, the sighting can be acted on right away.
Important Dates & Deadlines
No upcoming events or important dates at this time.
Agriculture
Contact Information
Administration:
5015 49 Avenue
St. Paul, AB T0A 3A4
Email: [email protected]
Public Works:
5618 57 Street
St. Paul, AB
