DIY Pest Control
We are often asked about DIY pest control and whether we can provide rodenticides or equipment for customers to use themselves in homes or gardens.
Whilst in some situations, people may be able to undertake effective pest control themselves, there are a number of issues with DIY pest control treatments, particularly in respect of rodenticides.
The first is that only certain products are available for amateur use. All rodenticides are labelled with information for safe use, and this also includes whether they are for amateur or professional use. Professional use rodenticides are, as the label states, only for use by professionals, and are only available through controlled channels because they are contain higher levels of active ingredients than those available for amateur use.
What Do I Need to Consider?
Often we attend jobs where customers have tried unsuccessfully to undertake their own pest control using over the counter rodenticides. Whilst DIY pest control can be successful, it can also fail due to lack of understanding of pest lifecycles and behaviour or lack of awareness of other food sources of influencing factors such as baiting locations and baiting strategies.
Sometimes we also come across situations where baiting has not been undertaken in accordance with the instructions on the label. This includes scenarios such as sprinkling loose grain bait directly on the ground outside or placing it in open trays in outside areas. There are serious risks with applying toxic (poison) bait in this way, as it leaves it open to birds, pets and other non-target animals, and this can have devastating effects on any animal coming in to contact with the bait. For example, birds do not recognise the difference between toxic grain bait and regular bird seed. It is therefore important to ensure access to any rodenticide is restricted to the target pest species only.
Incorrect baiting is also unlikely to be successful and poses serious risks to non-target species. Professional pest controllers operate within strict rules for rodenticide use, including the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU).
If you are considering undertaking DIY pest control using any toxic bait, it is important to understand what the target species is, ascertain why it is present, how it gained access (if inside a property) and also understand a little about the other food sources that may be present. It is also important to follow the instructions on the product label when using any rodenticide to increase the chances of it being successful, whilst reducing risks to all non-target species.
Extreme Caution – No-one Will Thank you for Ignoring This!
We also recommend that toxic bait is never used for treating rats inside a property. The reason for this is that due to their size, if a rat ends dying in an inaccessible area, the process of decay will leave an extremely foul odour to permeate the property for at best several weeks, and at worst, several months.
If in any doubt about what pest you are dealing with, why it is present, or how to get rid of it swiftly and safely, we recommend you seek advice from a competent pest control company.
If you require assistance or advice on any pest matter, please contact us here or call us on 01604 328545
