topic Think outside of the bait box with BASF’s covered and protected baiting technique
Rats and mice on farms can cause all kinds of problems for farmers, from contaminating grain stores and animal feed, to damaging buildings and machinery. In fact, it is estimated that one rat eats and contaminates 100kg of stored grain and feed annually, with 200 rats destroying a massive 20 tons. And with rats carrying 45 diseases, not only does an infestation pose huge financial loss, but it also presents a serious risk to the biosecurity of the whole food chain. “Of course, the best way to prevent an infestation in the first place is to ensure you have an integrated pest management programme in place to reduce the likelihood of rodents moving in,” says Helen Hall, rural hygiene specialist at BASF Pest Control Solutions. “This includes steps as simple as keeping farmyards around buildings clear of rubbish, weeds and objects that rats can use as harbourage, proofing buildings and ensuring any openings are covered with mesh smaller than 10 mm, and using nonchemical control methods such as trapping,” she added. “But if you have exhausted all of these options, it may be 34
time to try a chemical control method.” Traditionally, most chemical pest control methods call for a tamper resistant bait box, but increasingly many farmers are reporting that both rats and mice simply won’t enter the bait boxes, let alone eat the bait inside. So, what do you if you are faced with an infestation avoiding bait boxes? Helen Hall explains: “Both rats and mice have a fear and hence avoidance of new objects, called neophobia, which is why some farmers may have difficulty getting rodents into traditional bait boxes to take the bait in the first place. We recommend trying a covered and protected approach to baiting, instead: 1. First, select strategic sites where rats are known to forage along rat runs, but ensure that these locations aren’t easily accessible to other wildlife to minimise exposure to non-target species. 2. Next, secure seven blocks of Selontra® with a sturdy material, such as garden wire, and attach this onto or inside an object like a pipe or tray to “protect” the bait.
3. Using natural materials from around the site, such as palettes, timber, tyres, or anything that is heavy and can’t be easily moved, cover the container holding the secured bait. 4. Finally, ensure the bait point is clearly labelled, as per the CRRU guidelines, to alert any other persons on site as to what is underneath the object. “This is a much more effective method of baiting, as it doesn’t disturb the rodents’ usual activity or behaviours, meaning bait take is much more likely.” BASF’s newest rodenticide, Selontra®, uses the active ingredient cholecalciferol and causes death from hypercalcaemia; the accumulation of too much calcium in the blood. This mode of active means that rodents stop feeding, on
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both the bait and any available food on a farm, 24 hours after consuming a lethal dose. This makes Selontra® 30% more efficient than many anticoagulant rodenticides as it saves on further rodenticide use, and quickly stops contamination and damage to the site. “Of course, it is important to remember that in order to use Selontra®, you must have a certificate. We recommend completing BASF’s new interactive training hub programme, where you can also gain CPD points and complete a CRRU recognised exam for the safe use of rodenticides.” Take the nine-module course and exam on BASF’s Real Results Virtual Farm. For more information about BASF and Selontra®, visit www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk/en/
