The Farmers Mart Feb-Mar 2018 - Issue 55 | Page 58

58 PEST CONTROL
FEB/MAR 2018 • farmers-mart.co.uk
Surge in poison-resistant rat numbers
British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is highlighting the importance of expert pest control after a report revealed
a new generation of rats carrying a genetic mutation which makes them resistant to conventional poison.
IT’S more important than ever
to be protected professionally
considering the findings in a new
study by the University of Read-
ing.
The report, commissioned by
the Campaign for Responsible
Rodenticide Use (CRRU), has
identified “the massive extent of
L120Q resistance across the whole
of central southern England.”
And while the report highlights
the situation in the region, it
makes it clear that the data is not
available for the rest of the UK.
Dee Ward-Thompson, BPCA
Technical Manager, said: “The
study highlights the fact that
resistance is growing in rat species
across a swathe of the country.
“It also reports that rats without
the genetic mutation are being
killed off by poison, so the resist-
ant species are taking their place,
leaving a growing population of
resistant pure-breds.
“With their numbers expanding
there could be a significant risk to
public health if their population is
left unchecked, in both urban and
rural environments.”
The study reveals that L120Q is
the most severe form of rodenti-
cide resistance identified to date.
Dee added: “The rise in resist-
ance could be due to a number of
factors.
“However, it is most likely the
spread has been accelerated by
the application of rodenticides,
by amateurs such as home and
business owners doing it them-
selves or employing an unquali-
fied individual to try to resolve the
problem.
“The clear message is that, to
be effective in tackling this issue,
people should not attempt to self-
treat rats.
“Professional use only rodenti-
cides are often more successful, but
most are subject to strict legislation,
so it has become more important
than ever before to make sure infes-
tations are treated by experts.
“Rats must be dealt with by those
with the skills required to under-
stand rodent behaviour and their
habitat, and who know how to treat
any particular strain.
“By employing a member compa-
ny through the BPCA referral ser-
vice, the public can be sure they’re
using a qualified technician who is
able to purchase and apply relevant
products that can tackle such issues
of resistance.
“We’ve established strict criteria
to ensure the professionalism of our
members so companies carrying
our logo will carry out safe, effective
and legal treatments.”
www.bpca.org.uk