The Farmers Mart Feb/Mar 2014 - Issue 32 | Page 27

ARABLE PALATABILITY IS KEY IN RODENCTICIDE CHOICE The greatest possible palatability is farmers’ key priority in choosing a rodenticide, reveals the latest national farm rodent control study run by BASF Pest Control Solutions. The annual study conducted independently with more than 250 farms across the country also shows the vast majority continue to prefer loose grain baits which they employ in one of two distinct approaches with very different degrees of success. “The fact that more than 70% of farms look for the greatest palatability in their rodenticide bait while just 28% prioritise the least cost underlines the importance they place on effective rat and mouse control,” commented study co-ordinator, Gavin Wood. “Under these circumstances, it isn’t surprising that our research shows the Fortec-enhanced Neosorexa Gold cut wheat formulation to be four times more palatable to rats than standard difenacoum-treated wheat and is by far the most widely used bait. Fully 39% of the farms in the study are employing it against 10% using the next most popular brand. “Farmers are quite clearly appreciating the value of Neosorexa Gold’s superior palatability in increasing the speed with which rats and mice consume a lethal rodenticide dose, allowing infestations to be stamped out faster and more reliably than ordinary baits,” he stressed. But Gavin Wood added that even the most palatable bait needs to be used in the most effective way for the greatest value. In this respect, the most successful of the main approaches currently being employed on farms involves putting down bait at the first signs of rodent activity and wherever it can be detected. Only 55% of farmers doing this reported serious problems with rats or mice last year compared with 76% of those baiting in less disciplined and well-structured ways. “Actively seek out tell-tale signs such as faeces, hairs, gnawing and rat runs throughout the autumn and winter months and put down Neosorexa Gold bait as soon as and wherever you spot any,” he advised. “This will ensure you keep firmly on top of inevitable infestations at the least possible cost in both rodenticide bait and damage.” 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 difenacoum. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Neosorexa® is a registered trademark of BASF. DS097 - Neo gold Rush 180x121 advert.indd 1 To read more, visit www.farmers-mart.co.uk 10/12/2013 14:12:19 FarmersMart Feb/Mar 2014 27