T he supply of professional products to control rats and mice will become subject to stricter control from October 1 as the stewardship regime implemented by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use ( CRRU ) reaches its final stages . Farmers buying ‘ professional use only ’ anticoagulant products after that date will need to show a certificate of competence or prove membership of a farm assurance scheme .
And pest control experts are urging those yet to secure what is effectively a ‘ licence to kill ’ to act quickly .
Simon Forrester , chief executive of the British Pest Control Association ( BPCA ), said : “ Effective rodent control is crucial for all farmers , but the way it ’ s carried out and governed is changing .
“ The CRRU is determined to ensure rodenticides are used responsibly , and with minimum effect on wildlife , and the new legislation will help deliver that goal .
“ Everyone who wants to buy professional packs of products for outdoor use will have to prove their competence and ensure any existing certification is up to date .
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made aware of what ’ s happening and to do something about it within the timeframe .”
Authorised products have carried new ‘ stewardship conditions ’ labelling since April , but ‘ old label ’ products ( remaining stocks ) will also become subject to the restrictions from October 1 . Mr Forrester added : “ The
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pest control company to take over their pest management operation .”
Importantly , farmers yet to gain the qualification still have time to do so ahead of the deadline .
The CRRU website provides a list of the relevant training courses available and among them is an online option delivered by the BPCA .
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Simon Forrester |
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The ‘ Using Rodenticides Safely ’ course delivers an understanding of why control is needed , the biology and behaviour of commensal rodents , surveys , treatment , law and health and safety . |
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“ Many farmers are likely to be already aware of changes , but those who aren ’ t in a farming union or aren ’ t members of an assurance scheme may be caught out .
“ So it ’ s important for them to be
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phased withdrawal of nonstewardship label rodenticides created an interim period where farmers were still allowed to buy them .
“ That period is about to come to an end and those who aren ’ t qualified will have to do something about it if they want to carry on using the products .
“ They can go through training to obtain a certificate , join an approved farm assurance scheme or simply employ a professional
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The ‘ Using Rodenticides Safely ’ course delivers an understanding of why control is needed , the biology and behaviour of commensal rodents , surveys , treatment , law and health and safety .
And farmers can study it in the comfort of their own home before taking the online exam .
There ’ s also a one-day classroom-based course and exam to be held at Yarnfield Training Centre in Stafford on September 13 ( 8.30am-5pm ).
For more details about the BPCA training courses , visit www . bpca . org . uk / training
Farmers unwilling to obtain a certificate of competence can choose instead to join one of several farm assurance schemes approved by CRRU or outsource pest control to a professional company .
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Mr Forrester said : “ Expert businesses will have vast experience of pest management on farms and will be well versed in the use of chemicals and health and safety issues .
“ The BPCA operates strict criteria which ensures every member is fully qualified and upto-date with all of the latest techniques and legislation .
“ By using a company affiliated to us , farmers would be free to make more effective use of their time in the knowledge that pest management would be carried out safely , effectively and in compliance with the new laws .”
Farmers can find out more about the stewardship regime and what it means to them by visiting the BPCA stand at CropTec – the annual exhibition in Peterborough at the end of November .
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