Ideas for New Management

While there are many methods being deployed to help management of this invasive specie there is always room for new and more effective ways to control the BTS. Synthesizing research and the data available from it can lead to new theories and experiments to further the extermination of this destructive pest. 

Fumigants and Laced Bait:

Even though fumigants were initially being used to eliminate snakes, the adverse effects on native flora and fauna was enough to stop it being used further. In the case of the fumigant, methyl bromide, it actually had a negative impact on the ozone layer. More research should be done to improve this method so that we could use some sort of less harmful chemicals that would be useful against the brown tree snake. There is research being developed so that a fumigant or laced bait will induce sterility in the BTS. The challenge would be to develop something that would not affect other animals in the same way. Acetaminophen (tylenol) is a good start because it affects snakes more harshly than other animals. 

Biological Control:

Since there are no known natural predators in Guam that can help deter the increasing population of BTS, more research should look into the possibility of introducing predators to regulate growth. But there must be large amounts of research done beforehand to understand the effects of the predators on other non-target native species. We simply do not want to replace one 'evil' with another; there have been success stories in other places with the planned introduction of another exotic species to control original invasive species without a negative effect on the environment. 

My Idea:

Public awareness and education should continue to be taught on the threat the brown tree snake causes.  I think there should be incentives for locals and/or companies that aid in the development or financial resources to managing this problem. Incentives such as tax breaks or benefits if locals buy and maintain active BTS traps. By allowing the people of Guam to be involved it promotes insight and active engagement in solving a problem that affects them so much.

Educating the public on the BTS

It is important to realize that while the direct effects of the snake can be harmful enough, there is so much more secondary effects that can cause and even bigger underlying ecological disaster. A continuous study on the ecology of Brown Tree Snakes will gain us more knowledge, and in this situation knowledge is power.