New regulations on the use of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) and aluminium phosphide (often sold under the brand names Phostoxin or Talunex) mean that the demands of pest control in farming and land management are rapidly changing. Aluminium phosphide is an effective, targeted way to deal with vertebrate pests and an essential tool for farmers and land owners who manage their own pest control, particularly as it leaves no residue so there is no risk of secondary poisoning of non-target animals.
Similarly, SGARs are an essential part of reducing the impact of rodents on your land and storage.
Purchasers and users of aluminium phosphide have long since had to provide some evidence of training before buying the product, however from November 26 2015, only certain accredited qualifications can be used as evidence of competency. This means that in order to purchase or legally use Phostoxin or Talunex, the buyer or user must have the correct qualification. Additionally, from June 2016 the purchase and use of certain SGARs, (such as bromadiolone, difethialone, difenacoum and flocoumafen) will be restricted to those who can meet the requirements of the Campaign of Resposible Rodeneticide Use’s (CRRU) SGARs stewardship scheme.
Only three qualifications have been approved as sufficient proof of competency in the use of aluminium phosphide, one of which is awarded by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), which has a long history in developing qualifications for the pest control industry. The RSPH level 2 award in using aluminium phosphide safely for the management of vertebrate pests is a two-unit qualification which covers the theory and practice of aluminium phosphide use and has the full public backing of Rentokil, Killgerm, Agrovista, British Pest Control Association and National Pest Technicians Association.
The RSPH level 2 award in the safe use of rodenticides meets all the requirements of the CRRU stewardship scheme and has their approval. It will guide the learner through the biology and behaviour of rodents, the assessment procedures for a site prior to using SGARs and the requirements for health and safety and record keeping when carrying out rodent management activities.
The safe use of rodenticides qualification can be completed in one day with candidates assessed by a multi choice examination. The safe use of aluminium phosphide qualification is completed over two days; candidates can be assessed by trainers running RSPH approved courses. These assessment options cut out the need for a candidate to visit an external assessment centre, saving time and money.
We’ve had a recent surge in the number of applicants for the safe use of aluminium phosphide qualification as the November deadline approaches and the reality of being unauthorised to use this product sets in. We’re also expecting a similar surge in applicants for the rodenticide qualification in the months leading up to the June 2016 deadline. For both qualifications it is strongly advisable that you obtain the necessary certification as far in advance of the deadline as possible to avoid having an incredibly important part of your pest management tools restricted.
To see a full list of the RSPH approved centres that deliver the qualification in your area, please see our website.