New Legislation to Affect Mice and Rat Control from 2016

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is warning pest control providers and DIY exterminators to keep in mind new legislation that will affect control of mice and rats beginning in June 2016. The legislation will require anyone who is handling certain toxic chemicals now used for rodent control to be properly certified regardless of where those chemicals are used.

Currently, certification is not necessarily required to use rodenticides on private property. Farmers provide a good example. They can purchase and use the chemicals to control rats and mice on their farms. That will not continue to be the case from June 2016. Once the new legislation comes into force, those same farmers will need to be certified or hire a professional with the proper certifications.

According to the BPCA, there are business owners who will be affected as well. They will need to make sure that anyone providing long-term pest control services be properly certified to use the rodenticides covered by the legislation. They say some pest control companies offering services to businesses may be generally certified but not specifically certified in the use of the chemicals in question.

AR Poisons Dangerous

The targeted chemicals are a group poisons known as anticoagulant rodenticides. The chemicals have been the subject of intense scrutiny over the years due to their potential for secondary poisoning. Secondary poisoning is a term that describes poisonous compounds being passed up the food chain from one affected animal to the next. In theory, it could affect human beings.

The BPCA's Simon Forrester says anticoagulant rodenticides are also non-specific in the types of animals they kill. While they may be very effective for rats and mice, they also kill animals not being targeted by users. This could be particularly dangerous for farmers who may inadvertently do damage to their own businesses by killing animals they never intended to target.

Pest Control Berkshire is very sensitive to the idea that rodenticides can be extremely harmful. We take every precaution to make sure our rat and mice treatments are carried out in accordance with the law and industry best practices. Our technicians are fully trained and certified to provide safe and effective rodent treatment throughout Berkshire. Our service area extends 25 miles beyond our Newbury base. Feel free to contact us for assistance with rats or mice on your property.

Sources:

1.Horticulture Week - http://www.hortweek.com/british-pest-control-association-warning-rat-control-legislation/plant-health/article/1356040

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