So far this year we have been so busy with rodents, in all sectors : Residential, Commercial and Agricultural areas.

Welcoming a few new customers on board in all 3 sectors for permanent rodent control and prevention.

Changes to the way rat infestations can be controlled in open areas away from buildings come in to force next year. Read our explainer on what you need to know.

In June, it was announced that authorisation for use of products containing difenacoum and/or bromadiolone in ‘outdoors (open areas)’ sites would be withdrawn, meaning that no SGAR-containing products will have authorisation for use in ‘open areas’.

SGAR-containing products will however, still have authorisation to be used ‘indoors’ and ‘outdoors (around buildings)’.

This change doesn’t come into force until 2024. The sale of products containing difenacoum and/or bromadiolone for use at ‘outdoors (open areas)’ sites will end on 4 July 2024. There will be a use-up period, and use in ‘open areas’ can continue up until 31 December 2024.

This means that as of 1 January 2025, using SGARs to treat rat infestations that are not associated with a building will be illegal. From that time SGARs can only be used against rodents that are either living inside buildings, live outside buildings and known to be moving into them or reasonably anticipated likely to do so.

Products containing cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) can still be used in ‘open areas’ and away from buildings. However, as it is assumed that the vast majority of rodent infestations on farms are associated with a building, effective treatment will still be available.

So ; what does this mean for our customers?

A slightly different approach to baiting methods and a increase on monthly invoices, but having taken extensive extra training and properly researching the baits available and only selecting the best baits available us to continue provide a safe, effective and fast method of eradication. 

for what it means to us, as a pest controller :

it means everything, the reasons behind the new legislation is that figures show that non target species such as owls are digesting rodents that have been poisoned with SGARs. Owls are one of my favourites, and have worked along side many farmers in the past that have owls nesting in their barnyards. 

I promote the safe use of  rodenticides  but also at the same time conduct a effective program for control and eradication.

and not only that working alongside farmers to reduce the contamination of rodents to animal feed.

With the warmer weather approaching,  we are getting more calls regarding rodents in food waste containers. 

Here are 10 Tips to keep rats out of your bins! 

 1. Ensure bin lids are secure Rats can easily squeeze into tight spaces and gnaw their way through the smallest gaps. By securing your bin lids you reduce the risk of rats getting in and improve the chance of them moving on.  

2. Replace any broken bins Broken bins mean easy access for rats. But they also don’t do their job of containing waste and smells properly. Which means broken bins are more likely to attract rats.  

3. Think about bin placement Where you leave your bins can make a difference to the chance of them attracting rats. Avoid moist areas and places where the bins will be near a heat source or in direct sunlight. This will help to reduce decomposition and excessive smells.  4. Bag up your food Loose food smells, it will stick to the inside of your bin and it attracts rats. Ensure that any food waste is properly contained before putting it in the bin.  

5. Clean your bin Clean smells won’t attract rats. Plus, using disinfectants will help to kill any pathogens left behind by vermin. Always wear gloves when cleaning the inside and outside of your bin. Or, hire a bin cleaning company to do it for you.  

6. Keep your own bin Be sure to retrieve your own bin after collections. Paint on a number or add another unique feature to ensure you get your clean and well-maintained bin back. Not everyone is as meticulous as you. Other bins could be contaminated with food and/or pathogens from vermin.  

7. Put your bins out on time Bringing your bins out into the open is like inviting rats to come and check them out. Keep your bins secured in your bin store until as close to a collection as you can leave them. Bearing in mind rats are nocturnal, avoid putting your bins out the night before a collection.  

8. Keep compost bins separate If you’re an avid gardener then chances are you have a compost heap. But compost heaps can attract all kinds of critters and creepy crawlies. Especially rats! Keep your compost heap as far away from your bin store as possible.  

9. Be proactive (But not too much) Make sure you keep the previous steps in mind to avoid attracting rats. If you get rats then it may be time to use traps and bait boxes. But don’t use them unless you already have an infestation. Ironically, they could attract rats and a bait box is the perfect hiding spot. . 

10. Keep your bin store clean and tidy If for any reason your bins are overflowing, you have excess black bags or bulky items taking up space, take excess rubbish to your local recycling point