The UK ’ s No . 1 rat and mouse bait with Fortec technology for increased bait consumption .
Livestock
Palatability is key in rodencticide choice
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THE GREATEST POSSIBLE palatability is farmers ’ key priority in choosing a rodenticide , reveals the national farm rodent control study run by BASF Pest Control Solutions . The annual study conducted independently with more than 250 farms across the country also shows the vast majority continue to prefer loose grain baits . And they employ them in one of two distinct approaches with very different degrees of success .
“ The fact that more than 70 % of farms look for the greatest palatability in their rodenticide bait while just 28 % prioritise the least cost underlines the importance they place on effective rat and mouse control ,” commented study co-ordinator , Helen Ainsworth .
“ Under these circumstances , it isn ’ t surprising that Fortec-enhanced Neosorexa Gold cut wheat formulation , which our
research shows to be four times more palatable to rats than standard difenacoumtreated wheat , is by far the most widely used bait . 39 % of the farms in the study are employing it against 10 % using the next most popular brand .
“ Farmers are quite clearly appreciating the value of Neosorexa Gold ’ s superior palatability in increasing the speed with which rats and mice consume a lethal rodenticide dose , allowing infestations to be stamped out faster and more reliably than ordinary baits ,” she stressed .
But Helen Ainsworth stresses that even the most palatable bait needs to be used in the most effective way for the greatest value . In this respect , the most successful of the main approaches currently being employed on farm involves putting down bait at the first signs of rodent activity and wherever it can be detected . Only 55 % of farmers doing this reported serious problems with rats or mice last year compared with 76 % of those baiting in less disciplined and well-structured ways .
Miss Ainsworth accepts that the best baiting strategy demands a high degree of vigilance at all times to spot activity as soon as it occurs . However , she sees the fact that 85 % of farmers are regularly inspecting their premises for rodent activity as clear evidence the approach is practicable .
“ Actively seek out tell-tale signs of rodent activity like faeces , hairs , gnawing and rat runs across the farmstead throughout the autumn and winter months and put down Neosorexa Gold bait as soon as and wherever you spot any ,” she advised . “ This will ensure you keep firmly on top of inevitable infestations at the least possible cost in both rodenticide bait and damage .”
Worth its weight in gold .
The UK ’ s No . 1 rat and mouse bait with Fortec technology for increased bait consumption .
Neosorexa ® Gold contains difenacoum . Neosorexa ® and Fortec are registered trademarks of BASF . Use biocides safely . Always read the label and product information before use .
88 Autumn 2017 www . farmers-mart . co . uk