Pest Control

Agricultural pests and nuisances are defined under the Alberta Agricultural Pest Act as any animal, bird, insect, plant or disease which negatively impacts agricultural production.

The County of Wetaskiwin is responsible for protecting the agricultural productivity of the municipality by controlling native and introduced pests. Private landowners are also accountable for controlling pests on their properties.

Classification

The Agricultural Pests Act directs that declared Agricultural Pests must be controlled, while Agricultural Nuisances may be controlled. Some problem pests in the county could include:

Agricultural Pests

• Norway Rat (PDF)
• Blackleg and Clubroot of Canola
• Fusarium
• Dutch Elm Disease
• Warble Fly

Agricultural Nuisances

• Coyotes
• Skunks
• Richardson's ground squirrel
• Northern pocket gopher

Pests of Concern

While all agricultural and nuisance pests are targeted by Agricultural Services for control in the county, the main pests of concern are:

• Virulent Black Leg and Clubroot of Canola
• Wild Boar
• Rats
• Grasshoppers
• Fusarium Graminearum

Control Techniques

The County will provide control techniques and information on the following:

• Skunk
• Beaver (on private property)
• Richardson's Ground Squirrels (gopher) & Northern Pocket Gophers (moles)
• Grasshopper
• Fox
• Coyote

Additional Resources

• 2022 Grasshopper Forecast Map

Fish & Wildlife

Any other wildlife or pests are handled by Fish and Wildlife, this list may include:

• Badger
• Cougar
• Wolf
• Bear (black, grizzly)
• Fox
• Coyotes
• Owl
• Eagles
• Elk
• Moose
• Deer