For the third consecutive year, Red Bank Middle Schoolers have exterminated the competition in a national video-production contest sponsored by a pest-control trade group.

The $3,000 grand prize for the school’s ‘I Hate Rats’ video, above, adds to a long list of accolades, cash and supplies won by the school’s vaunted video program.

Not bad for a bit of rapping that features rodents, rat poop and a reference to the plague.

RBMS students have been steamrolling the competition in recent years. In addition to this year’s video, which as in past years is to be used as a public service announcement, the middle school has created prize-winners on the topics of mosquitoes and cockroaches.

In 2009, the school’s budding YouTubers bagged $30,000 worth of electronic equipment for the school in one shot.

The latest prize, awarded by the National Pest Management Association, is to be used for science education, the association said in an announcement Monday.

From the announcement:

“Every year, Red Bank Middle School stands out for its high-quality work and the students do an exceptional job of discussing the important health risks associated with household pests,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA.

Runner-up Lakewood Christian Schools of Long Beach, CA also received a $1,000 grant for its PSA, “Flea On Trial.”

“The contest encourages children to learn about the fascinating world of animals and insects while also understanding the importance of protecting public health, food and property from pests,” Henriksen said. “This contest also allows teachers to make learning a fun and interactive experience inside the classroom.”

Teachers and students in grades four through eight were challenged to create educational television PSAs highlighting the health and property risks posed by common household pests such as rodents, ants, cockroaches and stinging insects. Entries werejudged on originality, creativity, health messaging and overall appeal.

The contest was administered through the trade group’s educational children’s website, PestWorldForKid, where other entries may be viewed.