With cold weather swirling around, plentiful grain stores and other feedstocks still in abundance, many farms are experiencing a seasonal visit from rats.

Keeping on top of vermin is a vital part of preventing the spread of disease and reducing waste but from 2016 it became more difficult to purchase rodentidices in a bid to prevent year-round precautionary bait laying in order to protect other non-target species.

However, not all users need to do any additional training, as if they are a member of a number of assurance schemes they will be able gain approval under those terms.

See also: New Rules for Rodenticides Explained

And while this was originally intended as an interim measure due to elapse at the end of 2017, it has now been confirmed that farmers in these schemes will continue to not need any further proof of competence.

See below for a list of schemes which allow members to purchase rodenticides without additional training: 

If you’ve gone to the bait tub and found supplies running low and do need to sit the course, the whole thing can be conducted from the comfort of your office and full details can be found at the AHDB rodent hub.

So sit back in the office (if you’re one of the fortunate farms to have decent broadband), put the kettle on, and get it done before more furry invaders make headway into your supplies.

If you haven’t got a decent internet connection or are looking to complete the course in a classroom environment then the qualification is available from a number of providers including:

• The British Pest Control Council
• City & Guilds
• Lantra