Recent updates to the regulation and accompanying guidance means that permanent outdoor baiting should, thankfully, be a thing of the past.
Permanent rodent poisoning (known as “baiting”) poses a real risk to wildlife. In the 1980s and 1990s when permanent baiting was common, widespread cases were found of barn owls contaminated with rodenticides.
Unless there is no effective alternative, permanent baiting is now effectively illegal. New labelling adopted by the Health and Safety Executive following rules from the European Commission, mean that there is a legal duty imposed on professional rodenticide users to follow the guidance contained on the label.
And Brexit won’t change this; it’s highly unlikely the UK Government will relax these rules after Brexit so it is important for all rodenticide users to understand the requirements.
Everyone knows the law can be a minefield so its important to consult the professionals. You should only use a professional pest controller who actively promotes alternatives to permanent baiting.
At PGM & SON Pest Control Herefordshire, we are always concerned about the potential effects on non-target species. We encourage our clients to follow good alternative pest prevention and control measures. For example:
* Effective proofing
* Regular monitoring and thorough inspections
* Looking at neighbouring properties / sites
* Use of non-toxic monitoring bait
* Use of traps in bait boxes and remote monitoring sensors
* Good hygiene and housekeeping
Once you’ve got an infestation, particularly if it’s a large one, we understand that it can be problematic to avoid baiting, however, baiting should only be used as a short-term measure to treat the problem. The cause of the problem must be thoroughly investigated, and steps taken to ensure that the issue does not recur.
With the decline of natural predators, change in climate and the way in which we humans live unfortunately the rodent population is on the increase. We need to find ways to live in harmony with these pests, recognising that humans have contributed to their increase in numbers and their change in habit.
So, if you have a rodent problem we understand you want to eradicate the problem as soon as possible. However, be very wary of pest controllers who simply lay poison down to deal with the problem. This is only a short-term solution and, if they use it as a long-term solution they may well be breaking the law. Your pest controller should be able to advise you on long-term preventative measures.
At PGM & SON Hereford, we offer holistic pest control advice and services. Call us now if you have a rat problem or mice you want to get rid of.
PGM & SON provide local pest control solutions to individuals and businesses across Herefordshire.
PGM was founded by Phil Martin who has extensive experience in his field, having trained under James Ostler former Vice President of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and owner of Positive Environmental Hereford, Herefordshire.
Fast, friendly, reliable, our professional Pest Control Service is well renowned throughout Hereford. Our team is up for every job, managing projects with the skill and experience our clients have come to expect. We always stand behind our work, with customer satisfaction being our #1 priority.
Comments