I’m now contributing to the mapping of rodenticide resistance

A new project to help track the spread of resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides

I’m excited to announce that I’m now contributing to the mapping of rodenticide resistance. This is a new project that is being conducted by the Wildlife Trust and the University of Reading. The project aims to collect tail-tip samples from rodents across the UK to help determine the effectiveness of different anticoagulants.

What is rodenticide resistance?

Rodenticide resistance is the ability of rodents to develop resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides. This is a serious problem, as it can make it difficult to control rodent populations.

How does rodenticide resistance develop?

Rodenticide resistance can develop when rodents are exposed to sub-lethal doses of anticoagulant rodenticides. This can happen when rodents eat bait that has been left out for too long, or when they eat bait that has been contaminated with other chemicals.

What are the risks of rodenticide resistance?

Rodenticide resistance can lead to a number of problems, including:

• Increased reliance on other rodenticides, which may be more toxic
• Increased costs of rodent control
• Increased risk of environmental contamination
• Increased risk of human exposure to rodenticides

How can we prevent rodenticide resistance?

There are a number of things that we can do to help prevent rodenticide resistance. These include:

• Using rodenticides responsibly
• Monitoring the effectiveness of rodenticides
• Developing new rodenticides that are less likely to cause resistance

How can I contribute to the mapping of rodenticide resistance?

I am excited to be contributing to this important project. I believe that by helping to map rodenticide resistance, we can take steps to prevent this problem from becoming worse.

If you are interested in learning more about the mapping of rodenticide resistance, or if you would like to contribute to the project, please visit the Wildlife Trust website.

The impact that rodenticide resistance has on wildlife

Rodents that have developed resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides can ingest the poison without dying. This doesn’t mean the poison disappears. Instead, it accumulates in their bodies, making them walking, talking packets of poison. They may appear perfectly healthy, but they carry a toxic burden.

The steps that I’m taking to prevent rodenticide resistance

I’m committed to minimising the risk of rodenticide resistance and adhering to best practices outlined in the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) code. This means that rodenticides are only used as a last resort, after all other non-chemical methods have been considered and proven ineffective. My primary approach is to employ preventative measures and utilise traps wherever possible. This integrated pest management strategy focuses on eliminating the conditions that attract rodents in the first place, such as proper food storage and waste management. Trapping provides a targeted and effective method of control without the risks associated with widespread poison use, significantly reducing the potential for rodents to develop resistance. By prioritizing non-chemical methods and using rodenticides judiciously, I aim to protect both the target species and the wider ecosystem.

I hope this blog post is helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you for your time!