Trapping pest birds in the UK
Pest and predator control is an integral part of conservation and wildlife management and it is necessary to reduce predation and damage to acceptable levels.
Rodenticides
Rats predate both wildlife and livestock and often carry diseases, which can harm people and animals. They can cause damage to buildings and equipment and contaminate foodstuffs.
To control them is an ongoing battle that uses a wide variety of legal methods and rodenticides.
When dealing with a rat problem, it is important to consider all the available control methods, such as good hygiene practices, physical barriers, traps, gassing, use of dogs and shooting, before using rodenticides.
However, depending upon the circumstance and specific situation not all of these will be suitable and at times rodenticides are the only effective way to control a rat problem.
Rodenticides are not without their issues though, such as the risk of secondary poisoning to other species, so they must be used correctly. Always follow the instructions and requirements on any product labels.
Correct use
The rodenticide industry recognises the need to ensure their products are used correctly and in ways that minimise the exposure of wildlife and other non-target animals.
Advice on how to use rodenticides and control rats using other methods is available in the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) code of best practice. There is specific advice for different sectors including game management.
Advice on how to use rodenticides and control rats using other methods is available in the CRRU Rat Control and Game Management guide.
Stewardship regime
Because of the issues and risks associated with the use of rodenticides, in 2016 a stewardship regime was developed. This means that anyone buying or using professional-only anticoagulant rodenticides needs to have completed certified training prior to purchasing and using professional-grade rodenticides.
Training
There are several approved certificates relevant to each of the different industry sectors which will allow the purchase of these professional rodenticides.
Free information materials support CPD and best practice rodent control.
A set of informational materials supporting effective and responsible rodenticide use has been published by UK Rodenticide Stewardship and is available free of charge to all users.
The modules can be downloaded here.
Rodenticide resistance
Anticoagulants revolutionised rodent control in the 1950s, but some rodents soon became resistant to them. Second-generation anticoagulants were then introduced but rats and house mice resistant to some of these compounds are now widespread in the UK.
This spread of resistance can only be tackled if there is an accurate picture and the CRRU is requesting assistance to identify these areas.
They are asking those involved with rat control, such as gamekeepers, farmers and pest controllers, to use the free service in order to help identify the problem areas. In return, participants will receive a free indication of their local resistance to rodenticides status from the CRRU which will ultimately help them to use the correct and most effective methods and products in their rodent control.
Share
Night shooting
The night shooting of foxes, ground game and rats is necessary to ensure that damage to game, wildlife, livestock and growing crops is kept at acceptable levels.
Pest and predator control courses
We run a wide range of courses, covering all areas of shooting, including an introduction to woodpigeon shooting.
