The Farmers Mart Dec/Jan 2014 - Issue 31 | Page 24

ARABLE BETTER BAITING FOR FARM RODENT CONTROL First class farm baiting is crucial to prevent rat and mouse infestations from becoming increasingly problematic over the coming winter, advises BASF Pest Control Solutions rural hygiene specialist, Gavin Wood. ‘Serious grain and feed losses for many last winter’ “Persistent rodent populations caused serious grain and feed losses for many last winter,” he stresses. “So infestations need to be hit hard with the most attractive baits used in bait stations that protect pets and wildlife without restricting rat and mouse access.” The first essential, in Gavin’s experience, is to match rodenticide to both rodent feeding preferences and environmental conditions. For the best and most versatile farm-wide standard, he recommends Neosorexa Gold for its unique Fortec foraging grain technology proven to give the most rapid, reliable uptake and control. “Where you want the bait to remain fresh over an extended period – in stacks of hay, straw or big bale silage, for example – go for this formulation in easy to handle rat packs,” he suggests. “Alternatively, if conditions are especially damp or humid or where the risk to non-target species is particularly high, choose Neosorexa Blocks for their combination of palatability and durability - they can be fixed securely into baiting points. “Where the environment is very dry or rats and mice are used to feeding on protein rich diets, Neosorexa Pasta is ideal and Sorexa D is the best choice if you have mice that are proving hard to eliminate with standard grain baits.” Whatever bait you choose, Gavin Wood is adamant it needs to be of sufficient quality: testing shows top quality baits can be nearly 20 times more palatable to rats and around five times more appealing to mice than less well-formulated rodenticides. Alongside the right bait, it is vital to use more than enough baiting points, siting them carefully wherever signs of rodent activity are evident and keeping them well topped-up, especially in the first week or so. “Bear in mind that an initial consumption of 3-4 kg/night can be expected with a reasonable-sized farm rat infestation,” says Gavin. “And an intensive three week round of quality baiting is much more effective than sporadic, less well-planned treatment over an extended period.” www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk Gold Rush The UK’s No.1 rat and mouse bait with Fortec technology for increased bait consumption Multi-purpose, cut wheat bait for effective and consistent control Extremely palatable with Fortec technology for increased bait consumption A lethal dose consumed within just one day Proven superior performance to ordinary baits Enabling the most effective solutions to your pest problems. BASF Plc, Pest Control Solutions, PO Box 4, Earl Rd, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 6QG www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk Tel: [phone] email: [email protected] Neosorexa® Gold contains di