Rabbit and rodent pest control laws changing

Monday 16 February 2015 11:36

New legislation affecting the control of rabbits, rats and moles on farms is due to come into force in nine months.

From 26 November, farmers and gamekeepers will need to hold a certificate of competence by law to use alumunium phosphides to control these pests in their burrows even if they have had previous training in this area.

The use of aluminium phosphide products, such as Talunex and Phostoxin, has long been governed and restricted.

See also: Top 10 ways to control rats on farm

However, the new rules introduce a legal requirement for users to be certified under the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012.

Users will have to hold a City and Guilds Level 2 Award in the safe use of aluminium phosphide for vertebrate pest control.

The qualification has been developed for pest controllers, gamekeepers and farmworkers who use aluminium phosphide to control rats, moles and rabbits and addresses the requirement that users must hold a recognised certificate for the use and purchasing of the product.

It consists of a theory unit, which is assessed by a short exam, and a competence unit, assessed by practical exercises.

The Register of Accredited Metallic Phosphide Standards (Ramps) UK is overseeing the new regulation.

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Rabbit and rodent pest control laws changing