Autumn answers for effective rodent baiting

As we enter the autumn and winter months, now is the time to start thinking about rodent baiting correctly for effective control. That’s because unfortunately this is the time that you’ll start to see rodents move into warmer environments, to get their claws on any food handouts. Let’s not allow them to take over your farm!

Like anything, there are right and wrong ways of going about things and so it’s really important to us that farmers are offered advice and products that can get the job done as professionally and responsibly as possible. Ultimately you want to minimise the exposure of wildlife and other non-target animals.

Here we have answered some of the key questions you may have on effective rodent baiting:

What are the risks?

Mice and rats pose a huge health risk due to being carriers of many diseases that can threaten you and your animals. But, unbeknown to many, it’s not the actual animal that carries the threat, it’s the lice, mites and fleas squatting on their fur and skin.

For those that are interested, here’s a few elaborate names of the diseases that could be contracted: Salmonellosis; colibacillosis, coryza, pasteurellosis, mycoplasmosis, hemorrhagic enteritis, hymenolepiasis, capilariasis and ascaridiasis.

Essentially, you want to steer clear of anything ending in ‘is’!

In numbers:

• Rats eat 50kg of feed per day
• Mice eat 2.5kg of feed per day
• For every 1kg of food eaten, 3kg could be contaminated
• 2 rats could become 200 in just 1 year
• 2 mice could become 60 in just 3 months

As you can see, rodents are hungry and ready to procreate which is why it requires a lot of knowledge and skill, as well as using the most professional products on the market. If left uncontrolled, the cost of letting these animals freeload on your premises for any amount of time could be catastrophic to your farm.

What can I do ahead of laying down any rodenticides?

• Check all of your entry points – doorways are a good place to start, as they need to be completely structurally sound with zero gaps. And where possible, close off any unnecessary entry points entirely or restrict human access.
• Make sure your materials and foodstuffs are stored correctly and move them regularly to throw them off the scent.
• Declutter and de-weed – an activity perhaps more suited to the spring months, but clear space will prevent settling and allow more visibility.
• Do a regular walk around site actively looking for tracks, damage, urine and droppings.

What baits are available?

There are various options in the form of: meals, cut or wholegrain; pellets; wax blocks; edible lards/gels/pastes; contact gels and foam; gases. It’s important that you identify the right products for the target species and situation.

Vertox Exec Blocks and PelGar Roban Cut Wheat Bait are some of the more popular forms of rodenticides as they contain a unique chocolatey aroma which ensures good bait “take”. Similarly, Bayer Rodilon Trio markets itself on extreme palatability. And when it comes to the bait stations themselves, this Lockable Rat Bait Station comes highly recommended due to its suitability to all environments as well as protecting the bait from contamination.

Do I need certification?

The simple answer is yes! Since 1 January 2018, farmers and growers have only been able to purchase professional rodenticides if they can show they are part of a compliant assurance scheme, or that they have completed an approved training course. Lantra is one example of where you can professionally and effectively learn to control rats on farms. Most importantly, you will need to upload your certificate to purchase any of the products mentioned above.

So, if you want to keep your animals and farm safe from pests this autumn, head over to the Pest Control section of our website. You’ll find a full suite of products that come recommended by farmers themselves suited to rodent baiting, as well as experts from our established sister brands – Hydor, Bowden & Knights, Animal Aids and FarmTech Services.