The Farmers Mart Oct-Nov 2017 - Issue 53 | Page 32

Arable
Palatability is key in
rodencticide choice
» » THE GREATEST POSSIBLE
palatability is farmers’ key priority in
choosing a rodenticide, reveals the 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. And they employ them 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, Helen
Ainsworth.
“Under these circumstances, it isn’t
surprising that Fortec-enhanced Neosorexa
Gold cut wheat formulation, which our
research shows to be four times more
palatable to rats than standard difenacoum-
treated wheat, is by far the most widely
used bait. 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,” she stressed.
But Helen Ainsworth stresses 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 farm 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.
Miss Ainsworth accepts that the best
baiting strategy demands a high degree of
vigilance at all times to spot activity as soon
as it occurs. However, she sees the fact
that 85% of farmers are regularly inspecting
their premises for rodent activity as clear
evidence the approach is practicable.
“Actively seek out tell-tale signs of
rodent activity like faeces, hairs, gnawing
and rat runs across the farmstead
throughout the autumn and winter months
and put down Neosorexa Gold bait as
soon as and wherever you spot any,” she
advised. “This will ensure you keep firmly
on top of inevitable infestations at the least
possible cost in both rodenticide bait and
damage.”
Worth its
weight
in gold.
The UK’s No.1 rat and mouse
bait with Fortec technology for
increased bait consumption.
Neosorexa ® Gold contains difenacoum. Neosorexa ® and Fortec are registered trademarks of BASF.
Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
MP4479 Neo Gold 121.8x180.6 FMart.indd 1
32 Oct/Nov 2017 www.farmers-mart.co.uk
19/09/2016 14:59