Rat bait - advice needed

[salukiwhippet 6]

Hi folks,

 

Bit of a delicate one this, hoping for some advice.

 

I help run a small shoot, and our feedstore is near the main grainstore, both of which have been infested with rats of late. We've virtually cleared out our bit with BGs and snares (57 rats in 3 weeks). There is a contractor who is supposed to control the rats.

In the bays of cattle feed (oats) are open trays with poison bait in, with the spillage mixed in with the oats!

I obviously need to approach the landowner about it, but would appreciate some facts before I do. I don't claim to know a great deal about poison (most of my work is rabbits and moles), but surely this can't be right?

The 'rat man' has been working there since at least October, yet we still saw upwards of 15 rats in the grainstore.

 

The landowner is a lovely lady, but a bit naive about country matters, and I'd hate to see her being ripped off.

 

Thanks in Advance, James

[Matt 160]

The contractor has a legal duty to ensure that any baits laid are not accessible to non-target species. Laying open baits in trays in areas accessible by others, or where contamination is possible is a serious offence.

 

With the best will in the world, not all contractors are capable of clearing up major infestations without the full co-operation of the occupier. I would be reluctant to suggest that they are failing to control the rats without more information.

 

If you want to PM me more details, I may be able to have a quiet word with the contractor (if they are known to me) and help sort this out. If you are in any doubt, and think that wildlife, pets, livestock or people are at risk due to the actions of this contractor, then do not hesitate to report the matter to your local Trading Standards Officer and/or Natural England.

[salukiwhippet 6]

Thanks Matt,

 

Did try to PM you but I think your inbox is full!

 

Fully appreciate that it's not easy to control a rat problem, but would feed based poison be the only line of attack in a grainstore?

 

I can't remember the name of the contractor, I've only met him once.

 

I think I have to give the landowner the chance to sort it in house. To be fair, the grainstore doors are shut 99% of the time, but they are open on occasion, and pheasants and songbirds have been known to sneak in for a munch.

 

I'll have a chat with the landowner tomorrow.

 

Many thanks for the advice.

 

James

[Matt 160]

I've 'freshened up' my inbox now!!

[nercwys 10]

Nail a chicken carcass to the floor and shoot the b$%^$ards.

[Ron Weasley 83]

Nail a chicken carcass to the floor and shoot the b$%^$ards.

 

Another pearl of wisdom from the THL mob.