Take extra care when tackling rodent invasions, warns CAIP

With cold weather driving rats into their winter quarters in barns and outhouses, the Campaign against Accidental or Illegal Poisoning advises farmers, gamekeepers and other users to take extra care when using rodenticides and to ensure they follow best practice.

Prevention is better than cure and wherever possible areas at risk of rodent infestation should be proofed, with harbourages and food sources removed. Where rodenticides are used, indoors or outdoors, it is important to follow the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Uses (CRRU) guidelines available online at www.thinkwildlife.org.uk

The key points are:

Always

Never

Careless use of rodenticides can harm and kill wildlife and pets, so extra care must be exercised, said a CAIP spokesman. Never leave bait uncovered, check bait points regularly and look for and dispose of rodent bodies.

Commonly-used rodenticides are found at low levels in some UK wildlife species. These residues occur after scavenging from poisoned rodents and other wildlife that have eaten rodenticides. This reflects widespread rodenticide use together with poor usage and disposal practices.

Further details are contained in the CAIP booklet Controlling pests in the countryside A best practice guide which can be ordered or downloaded from the CAIP website www.caip-uk.info