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CROP CRACK 18.10.08
By WENDY FEARON
Clarendon Agricare -Storm Farmyard Rodents
It is now time to give serious attention to rodent control on your farm as migration indoors starts as the weather becomes cooler in autumn and winter. Rats will spend the autumn and winter eating stored crops and animal feed. In addition rats carry a wide range of diseases including Weil’s disease that can kill humans, and spread salmonella and Brucellosis to livestock.
Compulsive gnawing by rats and mice causes farm fires and damage to buildings.
The most effective way to control rats is to plan and implement a comprehensive baiting program using latest generation bait like STORM.
A thorough survey of the farm is needed to establish where rodents are living and feeding. Look for signs of rats and mice, there will be regular runs between food and nest sites. There will be tracks in mud or dust and gnaw marks will be evident around entry holes. Rats will leave greasy marks as they like to press their bodies against walls as they run.
Rats are prolific breeders. They are sexually mature at 10 weeks, producing 6-8 litters per year and 8-10 offspring in each litter. Females become fertile again within days of giving birth. In ideal conditions a pair of rats can lead to 2400 rats in one year.
STORM bait should be placed close to runs and holes where rats are active. If the bait is covered with boards or lengths of pipe it gives the rat a feeling of security when feeding and also protects the bait from the weather and hidden from other animals, children or livestock. Ideally use a specially designed bait box.
Mice do not move far from their nests which are usually indoors. Place smaller quantities of bait within a few meters of nesting sites.
Unlike inferior poisons that rely on multiple feeds just one little nibble of STORM delivers a lethal dose. STORM is over 200 times more powerful than warfarin, 7 times more active than difenacoum and 5 times more active than bromadiolone based baits.
STORM is extremely palatable and both mice and rats will eat the bait even when other food sources are available.
STORM is available as a waxed block and is resistant to moisture, mould growth and attack by insect pests. It is important to note STORM must only be used indoors in the UK.
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