The Farmers Mart Aug/Sep 2015 - Issue 41 | Page 47

Arable

Nip farm rat infestations
in the bud now
»»Keep especially alert
for early signs of rats this
autumn and nip any infestations
firmly in the bud to avoid a
repeat of the serious and
extended problems seen
across the country last winter,
says national rodent control
specialist, Sharon Hughes of
BASF, in the wake of the worst
rat problems experienced
by many farms in more than
decade.

‘avoid a repeat of
the serious and
extended problems
seen across the
country last winter’

“Last season’s dramatic
surge in rat problems almost
certainly had its roots in
a failure to get on top of
populations in the previous
exceptionally mild winter,” she
explained.
“So, with reasonable summer
breeding conditions another
substantial migration into
farmsteads is again on the
cards.
Sharon’s extensive
experience and trial work show
that the best, most economic
way to control rats is to employ
a highly palatable rodenticide
at the first signs of infestation
and across every part of the
farm where activity can be
detected.

“Look for the telltale signs
every week and when you see
them, put down plenty of bait
points wherever you can detect
activity and fill them with one of
the most palatable rodenticides
you can get. I’d use a modern
foraging grain bait such as
Neosorexa Gold or one of the
special Neosorexa or Storm
pasta formulations proven
to give far more rapid and
complete uptake than ordinary
grain baits,” she advised. “This
will be especially important
wherever alternative food
sources are readily available.”
Whatever bait is used,
Sharon Hughes is adamant that
it has to be put down in the
right places, kept well topped-

The UK’s No.1 rat and
mouse bait with Fortec
technology for increased
bait consumption.

up according to the label so all
the individuals can consume
a lethal dose, and left in place
until all signs of rat activity
cease - but no more than 35
days.

‘more rapid and
complete uptake’
At the same time, she
underlines the vital importance
of taking sufficient care to
protect other wildlife and pets
by covering and protecting
the rodenticide adequately,
removing all rodent carcases
and clearing any unused bait
away thoroughly once control
has been achieved.

150 years

We creat