| Grain
Effective approach needed to control rodents in
grain stores
Rodent numbers will be high this autumn after the unusually hot, dry summer which encouraged them to breed and
enabled a high proportion of their offspring to survive. David Reece, Technical Adviser, Lodi UK, highlights how to
control them under new European legislation which came into effect on 1 March 2018.
ith harvest completed the
amount of food available to
rodents in fields, hedgerows
and ditches has fallen
dramatically. With temperatures
beginning to decline they are
seeking shelter, warmth and nourishment in
grain stores and farm buildings.
Preventing the potentially devastating
consequences of infestation requires careful
planning, close monitoring, early action and
modern, highly-effective rodenticides within an
integrated management strategy.
W
To control rodents effectively you must kill a
very high percentage, but many cheap
block-type baits are in-effective, so choose
one of the latest products to ensure they
consume a lethal dose
Don’t wait until there’s an obvious problem -
be proactive. Minimise the site’s attractiveness
to rodents, reduce its ability to support large
populations, monitor frequently for early signs
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of activity and take effective action. If you don’t
have the time or knowledge employ a specialist
rural pest controller.
To control rodents effectively you must kill a
very high percentage, but many cheap block-
type baits are in-effective, so choose one of the
latest products to ensure they consume a lethal
dose. A grain-style Bromadiolone-type bait,
such as Lodi Jade, contains mulched cereals
and peanut butter oils to encourage
consumption, while Lodi Ruby, which is
Difenacoum-based and contains peanut oils, is
proven in the most difficult environments. Lodi
Sapphire, a Brodifacoum-based bait formulated
from premium grade cereals and peanut butter
oil, can kill rodents in a single feed.
Here are some key pointers:
• Make it as difficult as possible for rodents to
get in by repairing gaps in walls/doors,
gutters/downpipes and blocking potential entry
points. Effectively control those that do get in.
• The most rodent-proof grain store will have
three concrete walls and a roller-shutter door,
which is only effective when closed. That’s
difficult when tractors and trailers are tipping
throughout the day during harvest but shut it
securely when work finishes.
• On-floor drying systems make it easy for
rodents to enter where air is drawn in, so seal
fans from the outside when not in use.
• Keep surrounding areas clean and tidy to
create a clear buffer zone. Clean up clutter,
keep grass short and clear vegetation.
• Continually monitor for signs of activity,
such as droppings, urine, rub/tail marks, tracks
and damage.
• Position bait containers adjacent to outside
walls before baiting begins so they become
familiar. Inside, secure bait boxes should be
located where there are signs of activity, or
rodents are likely to track. Check, and re-fill
active bait stations until fresh activity ceases.
• Burrow baiting is very effective against rats
and reduces the risk to non-target species.
Follow the ‘little and often’ principle and retrieve
unconsumed bait. Check, and re-fill bait
containers if necessary until signs of fresh
activity cease.
Further information from Lodi UK on 01384
404242 or www.lodi-uk.com
September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 33