In our latest blog post we discuss why farmers should worry about rodenticide resistance and how do you control rodent on a farm?
Key Takeaways
A rodent management program for farmers involves assessing the risk of rodent infestations, implementing preventive measures, monitoring for signs of rodent activity, and controlling infestations if detected. Effective rodent management is critical to the success of the farm and the health and safety of its occupants.
Effective Rodent Management Practices for Agriculture Businesses and Farms
The BPCA says that food processors using ‘permanent baiting’ as a form of DIY pest control could be inadvertently contributing to the rise of the rodenticide-resistant pests.
And in 2022 a BASF survey found that 88% of farmers don’t check the level of resistance to rodenticides in their area before use.
What are the issues with using certain rodenticides in high resistance areas?
The rodenticide will only target non-resistant rats leaving the resistant ones to continue breeding and to increase their population. Rats breed rapidly so a significant infestation in a short period of time can easily occur.
There may be signs that bait has been taken by the resistant rats which can lead to a belief that a problem has been resolved when it has not.
Use of rodenticides in an area of resistance can contribute to the issue and make it harder to deal with rat infestations. This is particularly a problem when those using rodenticides don’t realise there is a resistance problem in their area.
Your business may incur additional costs through paying once for an ineffective DIY product and then having to call in a professional pest controller to resolve a much bigger problem further down the line.
Farmers may think that permanent rodenticide baiting is a cheap, quick, long-term solution but it is not.
Permanent baiting can actually create a rodenticide resistance problem. Rodenticide resistance rats will then be on the look out for places which offer a food and water source. This can cause major problems for food processing farms.
How best to avoid these problems and to mitigate the risk of a minor rat problem escalating very quickly into a significant infestation and a major headache?
The best solution, and one recommended by the British Pest Control Association, is to establish a routine pest management cycle.
This involves engaging with a professional pest controller to carry out regular monitoring visits and who can identify signs of rats early on so that any treatment can be targeted to problem areas.
Professional pest controllers will also make recommendations for preventative measures such as proofing farm buildings. And professional pest controllers will have access to information about resistance levels in your area.
To put in place an effective routine rodent management program at your farm or business, choose a BPCA member firm.
BPCA members:
Carry the right insurances
Are fully trained and qualified and continue to update their knowledge regularly
Are assessed to the British standard in pest management EN 16636
Follow the BPCA’s Codes of Best Practice.
To find a BPCA member near you, visit the BPCA website here
Effective Rodent Management Practices for Farms
For farmers, rodent management programs are essential to protect crops and prevent damage to agricultural products. Rodents can cause significant economic losses by consuming crops, contaminating stored products, and damaging equipment.
A rodent management program is an essential part of farm management. Rodents, such as rats and mice, can cause significant damage to crops, contaminate stored feed, and spread diseases to both livestock and humans.
Implementing a rodent management program can help farmers control rodent populations and minimise the damage they cause.
A farmer's Rodent Management Program typically includes the following steps:
Assessment: Assessing the farm's vulnerability to rodent infestations and the potential risks to crops, livestock, and farm buildings.
Prevention: Taking preventive measures to minimise the likelihood of rodents entering the farm, such as removing potential food sources, sealing cracks and gaps, and keeping the surrounding vegetation trimmed.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor fields and storage areas for signs of rodent activity, such as burrows, gnaw marks, and droppings.
Control: If a rodent infestation is detected, we implement control measures, such as trapping or baiting, to prevent further damage.
Evaluation: Evaluate the effectiveness of the farms' rodent management program and make adjustments as needed.
A rodent management program for farmers aims to protect their crops and equipment, reduce the risk of disease transmission, and promote a safe and healthy working environment.
Let us help you measure the effectiveness of your rodent management program, for more information on our service learn more
If you would like us to quote for our commercial rat control service, please contact us on 01981 540088 or email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk
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