The Silent Suffering: Rodenticides and the Ripple Effect on Wildlife and Pets
Recently, a heartbreaking story emerged from the RSPCA, highlighting the devastating impact of rodenticides on our wildlife. A beautiful barn owl, found in a sorry state with a punctured wing, was brought into their care. The culprit? Likely secondary poisoning from consuming rodents that had ingested rat poison. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of indiscriminate rodent control methods. As detailed in the original article from The Cool Down, the owl’s plight is a common one.
Secondary Poisoning: A Silent Killer
Birds of prey, like barn owls, are natural predators of rodents. When these rodents consume poison, the toxins remain in their system. The owls, in turn, become poisoned when they hunt and eat these affected rodents. This is known as secondary poisoning, and it’s a silent killer that decimates our wildlife populations.
Pets at Risk: The Vulnerability of Our Furry Friends
But the danger doesn’t stop with birds of prey. Domestic pets are equally vulnerable. Cats and dogs, particularly those with a strong hunting instinct, can easily fall victim to secondary poisoning if they consume poisoned rodents or even the bait itself. The symptoms can be horrific, including internal bleeding, organ failure, and ultimately, death.
Responsible Rodent Control: A Knowledge-Based Approach
This is why responsible rodent control is crucial. I understand the need to manage rodent populations, but it must be done with careful consideration for the wider environment. I utilise UK-approved traps, strategically placed and managed with my expert knowledge and understanding of rodent behaviour. This method allows for targeted control, minimising the risk to non-target animals.
Protecting Hedgehogs and Other Wildlife: Live Trapping Options
Furthermore, during the hedgehog season, I prioritise the safety of all wildlife. To ensure no non-target animals are harmed, I may employ live trapping options. This allows for the safe release of any unintended captures, protecting our precious hedgehog populations and other innocent creatures.
Moving Forward: A Call for Change
The case of the injured barn owl underscores the urgent need for a shift in our approach to rodent control. We must move away from indiscriminate poisoning and embrace methods that prioritise the safety of our wildlife and pets. By using responsible trapping techniques and understanding the delicate balance of our ecosystem, we can protect both our homes and the natural world around us.
A Shared Responsibility: Protecting Our Ecosystem
Let’s work together to create a safer environment for all creatures, big and small. If you call on a Pest Technician who’s first port of call is to just lay down poison, stop using them. Contact me, who, as a Pest Control Technician qualified to Lantra Level 2, will always use traps as a first line of defence, and only if this is not viable would I use licensed rodenticides as a last resort. This is per the CRRU guidelines.
