Pest control goes arable. New rodenticide from Bayer

Pest control far from over-looked
The main talking point was the long-awaited launch by Bayer of their new rodenticide active ingredient – difethialone. Although coming from the Environmental Science branch of the Bayer family, this was the official introduction of the product to the agricultural sector, to be marketed via their big cousins, Bayer Crop Science. The introduction to the pest control market is planned for later in the summer.

To be sold under the Rodilon trademark, Bayer claims this is the first new rodenticide active ingredient to be launched in the last 20 years. Difethialone is a second generation, single-feed anticoagulant, effective for controlling rats and mice, in particular those that have developed a resistance to other rodenticides. Rodilon is available in four baiting formulations and in a range of pack sizes. More details will undoubtedly be available in the coming weeks.

Another exhibiting manufacturer also familiar within the pest control sector was Lodi UK. Although their Raco rodenticides were on display, the main thrust of their stand was the promotion of K-Obiol grain protectant. Following the record breaking dry spring, it is forecast the UK grain harvest could be as much as 15% down on the five year average, so are sales likely to be down in this sector? But as Roger Simpson, Lodi operations director, explained: “Yield might be down, but the price per tonne is at an all time high. Farmers are likely to be keener than ever to protect their harvested crops.”

This is good news for servicing company, Command Pest Control who also had a stand. Based in Sudbury, Suffolk, Command operates throughout East Anglia and the eastern half of the UK. Work within the agricultural sector, in particular grain storage, is an important part of their business accounting for over 65% of their turnover, as Command sales director, Simon Wills explained.

Also present was Barrettine Environmental Health supporting their range of products suitable for farmers and sold via selected agricultural distributors. It was good to catch-up with one of the visitors to their stand, former employee, Chris Pye. For those who remember Chris, he is fighting fit and has worked for Dow for the last 13 years responsible for key agricultural trade accounts.

Another visitor to the Barrettine stand was David Cross on a mission to spread the word on RAMPS UK – the Register of Accredited Metallic Phosphide Schemes of the UK.

Ken Black of Bayer shows-off part
of the new Rodilon range

The Lodi team promoting K-Obiol grain protectant.
Left to right: Tony Knight, Phil Clarke,
Roger Simpson, Ross Goodman and Mark Higgins

Agricultural pest specialist – Command Pest Control. Left to right: Simon Wills, Stuart Homer
and Jeremy Barraclough

On the Barrettine stand. Left to right: Chris Pye (Dow), David Shelton (Barrettine), David Cross (Rentokil) and David Haskins (Barrettine)

The BASIS team was out in force promoting the Professional Register and recording member”s CPD points for attending