Outdoor control of rats with anticoagulants

Biocides that are used outdoors to control rats have severe environmental risks. The Ctgb has therefore decided that these products (the anticoagulants) can be used outdoors only by properly trained professional users who work according to the principles of integrated pest management (IPM).

These professional users must have thorough knowledge of IPM and must apply this knowledge correctly. This means that in the outdoor control of rats, prevention measures must be taken first. After this, in the case of continued infestation, traps, clamps and other non-toxic methods must be used. Anticoagulants can be used only as a last resort if these measures are inadequate. By following this procedure, the use of anticoagulants, and the ensuing environmental risks, can be limited as much as possible.

Thorough knowledge about rat control and using anticoagulants only as a last resort is safeguarded by certifying those companies that wish to offer outdoor rat control services and by describing the method for controlling rats outdoors in an IPM outdoor use protocol. Based on the criteria established by the Ctgb a manual titled ‘Handboek beheersing van rattenpopulaties om gebouwen en voedselopslagplaatsen’ was developed. This manual is managed by the foundation Stichting Keurmerk Plaagdiermanagement Bedrijven (KPMB). The manual is only available in Dutch.