Bayer urges vigilance against heightened rodent activity
Growers are being urged to be ready to respond to a likely surge in rodent infestations as the first significant cold snap of 2012 sweeps across the country.
Ken Black, Bayer’s national account manager for rural hygiene, explains that an increase in rodent numbers in buildings and stores is to be expected due to the plummeting temperatures.
“It’s driving rodent populations indoors in search of warmth, water and food as outside natural food sources become scarce,” he explains.
“And with temperatures now well below freezing, the task of scavenging for food in these conditions becomes much more difficult for rodents,” adds Ken.
Rodents will instead be turning their attention to search for food in stores exploring grain sheds, general farm buildings, livestock units anywhere with access to feedstuffs.
“And it’s likely to be a visible influx,” believes Ken, as some rodent populations may not have retreated indoors for the winter, instead remaining outside to nest during the extended warm, mild winter.
“Growers need to be aware of this risk of new infestations and remain vigilant for any signs of rodent activity,” stresses Ken.
“The presence of droppings as well as urine stains and body smears are three common indications of rodent presence, so too are well-worn paths in vegetation and tail marks in dust and soft earth,” notes Ken.
“Being aware of all these symptoms of rodent activity and also how rats and mice behave differently will help ensure targeted control.
“In support of this we have produced a Rodilon user guide and record book, following on from the launch of the new rodenticide last autumn,” explains Ken.
The Rodilon user guide and record book is a perfect tool, supportive of Farm Assurance schemes, and is available to farmers upon request, providing a wealth of useful information, including in-depth details of the biology and behaviour of rodents and advice on constructing a baiting programme.
Please email ken.black@bayer.com or telephone: +44 7908 224878 to request a copy of the Rodilon user guide and record book
About Bayer CropScience
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer CropScience, a subgroup of Bayer AG with annual sales of EUR 6.830 billion (2010), is one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and traits. The company offers an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of 20,700 and is represented in more than 120 countries. This and further news is available at: www.press.bayercropscience.com.