Is DIY pest control an effective solution?
We at AgriPest are seeing a worryingly high amount of farms, business and domestic households that are attempting to carry out their own pest control.
In a small number of cases we see DIY attempts that have been successful and applied in a way that is safe for children, domestic animals and wildlife. However over the last six months we have encountered some negligent attempts of pest control treatments.
Having a pest in the home or workplace can often be worrying, but knee jerk reactions and sloppy attempts to carry it out by yourself can often have devastating consciences. For example in the last six months we have been to six cases were dogs have been poisoned four of which unfortunately died as a result.
Agripest Management replenshing a secure locking baiting point
People often ask “how do I get rid of pests at home or on the farm?” unfortunately often there is no instant fix. As professionals we have studied and been extensively trained on all aspects of pest control, understanding the where, why and how is something only an experienced pest controller can determine by inspecting the property.
Things to Consider When Using Rodenticides
Rodenticides (poisons) can be purchased from many retailers such as Homebase, B&Q, Mole valleys, Farmways and Greens. The poisons they supply will have the required ingredient to kill the pest however the application techniques and management is completely down to you as the purchaser. This is where problems occur, putting two kilos of rat and mouse poison under your kitchen units or in a shed/barn may not attract the pest. The palatability may be wrong or the rodent may suffer from neophobia (fear of new objects) in this case you will still have the rats or mice and run the risk of something else taking the poison.
60% of the work we carry out are for people who have attempted DIY pest control and failed, they have spent time and money on the process with little or no results.
We all have skills, whether it be computers, mechanics, teaching or any other; we can’t all be expected to know everything. So if you are unsure or unequipped then contact AgriPest, if you are determined to do it yourself please feel free to call us for advice on the best technique to ensure it is carried out safely.
A proffesional use only mouse gel rodenticide
For more agricultural information on general pest management within the rural setting I find the BASC articles very informative, also the NFU, NGO and farmers weekly websites a valuable resource (all these are linked below).
AgriPest feel it’s important whoever supplies you with a pest control service that it should be up to date, informative and correct. There are many misleading services out there and when poisons are involved it’s not worth taking the risk.
Useful Website Resources:
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC)
The National Farmers Union (NFU)
