Rats predate both wildlife and livestock and often carry diseases, which can harm people and animals, damage buildings and equipment and can contaminate foodstuffs.
To control them is an ongoing battle that uses a wide variety of legal methods and rodenticides.
When dealing with a rat problem, it is important to consider all the available control methods, such as good hygiene practices, physical barriers, traps, gassing, use of dogs and shooting, before using rodenticides.
However, depending upon the circumstance and specific situation not all of these will be suitable and at times rodenticides are the only effective way to control a rat problem.
Rodenticides are not without their issues though, such as the risk of secondary poisoning to other species so they must be used correctly. Always follow the instructions and requirements on any product labels
The rodenticide industry recognises the need to ensure their products are used correctly and in ways that minimise the exposure of wildlife and other non-target animals.
Advice on how to use rodenticides and control rats using other methods is available in the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) code of best practice and there is specific advice for different sectors including game management.
Advice how to use rodenticides and control rats using other methods is available in the CRRU guide Rat Control and Game Management.
Because of the issues and risks associated with the use of rodenticides, in 2016 a stewardship regime was developed and anyone buying or using professional only anticoagulant rodenticides needs to have certification which demonstrates they have been trained.
There are several approved certificates relevant to each of the different ‘industry sectors’ which will allow the purchase of these professional rodenticides. These include the Rat Control for Gamekeepers course which has been developed by BASC and other shooting organisations working with CRRU. The cost is £150 for BASC members and £200 for non-members.
Members of BASC, CA, GWCT, NGO and SGA can attend any of the available courses that are delivered by any of the organisations at the membership rate.
The course will consist of approximately five hours of theory-based training followed by an examination which is overseen independently by BASIS. Upon successful completion of the exam, a certificate will be issued enabling the holder to purchase these products.
If you would like to register your interest in attending a course, click here and fill out the form.
A set of informational materials supporting effective and responsible rodenticide use has been published by UK Rodenticide Stewardship and is available free of charge to all users.
The modules can be downloaded here.
Anticoagulants revolutionised rodent control in the 1950s, but some rodents soon became resistant to them. Second-generation anticoagulants were then introduced but rats and house mice resistant to some of these compounds are now widespread in the UK.
This spread of resistance can only be tackled if there is an accurate picture and the CRRU are requesting assistance to identify these areas.
They are asking those involved with rat control, such as gamekeepers, farmers and pest controllers, to use the free service in order to help identify the problem areas. In return, participants will receive a free indication of their local resistance to rodenticides status from the CRRU which will ultimately help them to use the correct and most effective methods and products in their rodent control.
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Pest and Predator Control About General Licences Basics News Advanced Videos Join BASC Permission to Shoot Form About Pest Control Legislation affecting pest and predator control in the UK may differ for the same species depending on whether it occurs in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. BASC produces codes
