Did you know the legislation around rodent control has changed…?

Did you know…

The legislation around rodent control is finally evolving to be more in line with the Vermtek approach! Recent label changes for anticoagulant rodenticides (rat and mouse poison) mean that you should not have bait stations full of poison permanently around your property.

Why…

We decided right from the outset of trading ten years ago that a holistic approach to pest management was the most effective and sustainable solution, but it’s taken legislation a little while to catch up. The main reason for the change is to help prevent “secondary poisoning” of non-target species. Without careful management, rodents might not consume a fatal dose, or their carcasses may not be removed and disposed of correctly. This means that small-mammal predators can ingest anticoagulant-filled rodents, either whilst they are still alive, or by scavenging.

According to the Barn Owl Trust, in 2017 a shocking 90% of the barn owl population was contaminated with anticoagulants. In 2011, the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme found 100% kestrels, 94% red kites, and 93% sparrow hawks had consumed toxins originating from rodenticides. It’s an inescapable fact that rodents need controlling (for both public health and to protect other native wildlife) – but we must look at means that don’t result in the entire small-mammal feeding population ingesting vast quantities too. Even small changes could have a dramatic effect, because almost the entire population is affected.

But how…

The Vermtek approach is to both remove the pest and prevent recurrence. We will look at why rodents are attracted to your property, and find out how they are getting in. By removing these factors we are more than half way there! Of course, there is still a place for rodenticide in the treatment of infestations, but it should be a last resort, tailor-made to the situation, and after thorough investigation of the entire environment.

You may still see bait boxes, but they shouldn’t be routinely filled with poison. They might contain traps, or non-toxic bait for monitoring purposes. If you’re concerned that you have bait boxes that are habitually filled with rodenticide, speak to your pest control provider. If you are supplying your own pest control, feel free to contact us for advice and more information.

Vermtek is an active member of the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU). For more information, visit: https://www.thinkwildlife.org/code-of-best-practice/crru-code/