Professional pest controllers can offer farm customers more effective rodent management strategies next year, when new rules over the purchase and use of rodenticides come into force.
The move will see the requirement for a Level 2 Safe Use of Rodenticides certification or, for those historically qualified, a recognised CPD scheme that includes an element of annual education focused on rodenticide use, in order to buy and use rodenticides.
Richard Moseley, Syngenta business manager, said: “From January 1, the new requirements will preclude farmers and landowners purchasing or using rodenticides under a farm certification scheme membership.
Whilst they would still be able to undertake a full-day training course to the Level 2 standard, the time and cost involved is likely to deter uptake for some.”
As a result, more farms will use a professional pest control business to outsource their rodent management.
“We firmly believe that will be a positive development, since it will assure that rodents are managed in the most appropriate way.”
However, Mr Moseley reminded pest controllers that they must also hold the appropriate certification for the purchase or the use of all rodenticides from the start of next year.
For rodenticide use that has also now been strengthened by the need to gain at least three CPD points that are recognised by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) as providing rodenticide focussed education, within the annual 20 CPD point tally.
