City Newsroom

For Immediate Release
August 23, 2012



Medicine Hat – The City of Medicine Hat commenced Operation Haystack today to provide any potential rat within the City hospitable surroundings to enable effective extermination.

A total of 15 haystacks will be distributed throughout the city. This proactive approach will see stacks of five to eight round green feed bales set up with bait stations located in the center.

“These haystacks will be the preferred location for any rats These haystacks will be the preferred location for any rats with everything they need to consider it an excellent nesting site
– that is food, water and shelter,” says Ed Jollymore, manager of the Solid Waste Facility. “We will have bait stations inside the various haystacks and will monitor activity for as long as necessary.”

Operation Haystack is the next proactive step the City is taking in the battle with the established rat colony at the Landfill and the single sightings within the city. Single sightings in other areas have precipitated this move to stop and contain any flow that might exist.

All locations of “Operation Haystack” will be highly visible, well signed and will present no danger to other animals.

Municipal Bylaw officers are on high priority to respond to rat reports and will notify ARD of all complaints. Residents are urged to report any suspected rat activity by calling 310.FARM (3276) or the Medicine Hat Bylaw office at 403.529.8481. If a dead rat is discovered on their property, residents can call KP Pest Control at 403.529.5931 for disposal.