Rodenticides – now is the perfect time to ‘read the label’

The vast majority of rodenticide labels now reflect the conditions of their product authorisation renewals.

What this means is, in most cases, product label changes have been made and are settled down for the time being.

Changes may include types of use such as ‘permanent baiting’ and ‘burrow baiting’ and these will be reflected on current labels.

Phrases to look out for include:

(remember, this is listed on some bromadiolone and difenacoum products)

Permanent baiting is strictly limited to sites with a high potential for reinvasion when other methods of control have proven insufficient.
Sites under a permanent baiting regime should be inspected regularly in accordance with product label directions.
The period between visits should be determined by the Technician in charge but will be no longer than every four weeks when permanent baiting is conducted outdoors.
For permanent baiting follow any additional instructions provided by the CRRU Guidance on Permanent Baiting.
The permanent baiting strategy shall be periodically reviewed in the context of integrated pest management (IPM) and the assessment of the risk for re-invasion.

‘Do not apply directly into burrows’.
versus
‘In burrows’ or ‘This product can also be applied directly into burrows’.
Baits must be placed to minimise the exposure to non-target species and children. Cover or block the entrances of baited burrows to reduce the risks of bait being rejected and spilled. Follow any additional instructions provided by the CRRU UK Code of Best Practice (or equivalent).

Bait stations must be labelled with the following information: “Product name or authorisation number”, “Active substance(s)”, “Contains a rodenticide”, “Do not move or open” and “In case of incident, call the National Poisons Information Centre.”

This requirement for bait station labelling can be met with bait station stickers.

Remember to check the product labels of your rodenticides at this important time.