campaign against accidental or illegal poisoning

Controlling pestsin the countryside

A best practice guide

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Regional differencesThe advice and information in this bookletapplies to England. Similar but differentregulations and advice may apply in Scotland,Wales and Northern Ireland.

Scotland: information on wildlife managementcan be obtained from The Scottish Governmentat www.scotland.gov.uk. Advice on pesticideand rodent disposal can be obtained from theScottish Environmental Protection Agency(SEPA) at www.sepa.org.uk

Wales: information on wildlife managementcan be obtained from Technical Services Team,Welsh Assembly Government 01970 610202 or01745 535512. Advice on pesticide and rodentdisposal can be obtained from the EnvironmentAgency at www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Northern Ireland: information on wildlifemanagement and advice on pesticide androdent disposal can be obtained from theNorthern Ireland Environment Agency atwww.ni-environment.gov.uk

The WIIS Hotline Number 0800 321600 appliesacross the UK

The countryside is home to wildlife andlivestock and is enjoyed by the public andtheir pets. Some animals, large and small,can cause problems and are regarded by many as pests. A range of methods,including pesticides, is used to control these animals.

Pesticides help farmers, landowners and gamekeepersmanage the challenges caused by pests (includinginsects, rats and mice), weeds and diseases.However, the nature of these products means that it is important that they are used responsibly.

To ensure pesticides are not misused or inadvertentlycause problems, the Government monitors suspectedpoisoning incidents of wildlife, pets and livestockthrough the UK Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme(WIIS). In England each year, around 250 potentialincidents are reported and about half warrant detailedinvestigation. In a third of investigations, pesticides –used incorrectly or illegally – are involved. Mostcases occur as a result of poor storage and use of slug pellets, deliberate illegal poisoning of petsand predators or because some birds of prey eatpoisoned rats and mice.

caip, funded by Defra through the ChemicalsRegulation Directorate1 (CRD) of the Health andSafety Executive, aims to reduce the frequency ofthese incidents and has three key objectives: – prevention of pesticide poisoning - accidental

or illegal - of wildlife, pets and livestock; – education to ensure legal control measures,

especially those involving pesticides, are understood, observed, and respected;

– detection of any poisoning of wildlife, pets and livestock involving pesticides. Detection is supported by WIIS.

This booklet contains advice on best practice andhighlights some of the pesticide issues that give riseto unnecessary pet and wildlife deaths each year.However, it can only provide an overview. Moredetailed information is available from the caipwebsite together with the range of advice and training offered by the many organisationssupporting caip.

What is a pesticide?The term ‘pesticide’ is defined by the Foodand Environment Protection Act 1985 andincludes herbicides, fungicides, insecticides,growth regulators, soil sterilants, rodenticidesand wood preservatives amongst others.

Pesticides may also be referred to asplant protection products or biocides.

1 As from 1 April 2009 Pesticides Safety Directorate became part of the Chemicals Regulation Directorate.

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Reporting suspicious incidentsAnyone finding an animal – wild or domestic – that theysuspect has been poisoned, deliberately or accidentally,or finding evidence of pesticide abuse, should contactthe Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS).

This scheme focuses on approved use, misuse and abuseof pesticides. It does not address other causesof animal death, such as road kill or illegal trapping.

There is an initial telephone interview by a WildlifeOfficer to record the evidence and concerns. If theofficer suspects this is within the WIIS remit, thecarcase and/or poison samples will be collected andsent for analysis.

Any further action, including prosecution, dependson the findings of the investigation.

Further information on WIIS can be found viathe caip website.

What to look for:

• Dead animals cut open and staked out -these may be laced with poison

• Several dead birds or other dead animalsfound close together

• Animals which appear to have died withoutobvious reason or lying next to somethingthat may have been eaten

• Pet dogs falling very ill after a walk in the countryside

If you suspect animals havebeen poisoned with pesticidesor are at risk:

• Do not touch suspect bait or dead animals - warn othersto keep away

• Cover the evidence if possible, but don't disturb it

• Note the location and phonethe WIIS Hotline

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Used correctly, pesticides play an importantpart in the UK countryside. Uses rangefrom protecting food crops from injuriousweeds and disease, to fighting potentialpest epidemics in woodland plantations,preventing spoilage of grain and animalfoodstuffs, and spread of livestock diseaseby controlling rodent infestations.

When it comes to pest control in the countryside,rodenticides are important for controlling rats andmice, while molluscicides protect crops from slugpredation. However, incorrect use can lead toaccidental poisoning of non-target animals suchas wildlife, pets and livestock. These poisonings are largely preventable.

Legal ways to control pests without pesticidesrange from traps and snares to shooting which canbe used against some wildlife species, such as rats,rabbits, foxes, crows and magpies. (See page 4)

Pesticides can only be legally used after approval –a process that involves rigorous independentscientific scrutiny by the Chemicals RegulationDirectorate of the Health and Safety Executive.The approval process results in clear instructionson how to use each pesticide, avoiding unnecessaryimpacts on non-target species and safe disposal.(See pages 6 and 8)

Pesticide regulations and the products approved for use are regularly reviewed.

Anyone using a pesticide must observe the labelinstructions. In addition, anyone using a pesticideas part of their profession is required to be trained,and in many circumstances to hold a Certificateof Competence1.

Professional pesticide users must follow the statutoryCode of practice for using plant protection products(www.pesticides.gov.uk) which gives advice on bestpractice. Detailed information on rodenticide use isavailable from the HSE2.

caip aims to protect wildlife, livestock and pets by preventingthe misuse and abuse of pesticides and promoting correct andlegal pest control

WIIS Hotline 0800 321600

1 Under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 anyone born after 31 December 1964, a contractor, or any supervisor of these groups who is using a professional pesticide must hold the appropriate Certificate of Competence. Professional pesticides are those which are approved for agricultural, horticultural, amenity, industrial or forestry use.

2 HSE Information Sheets MISC515 - Urban rodent control and the safe use of rodenticides by professionalusers and AIS 16 Safe use of rodenticides on farms and holdings.

A range of predators and pests can becontrolled legally without poisons. Legalcontrol methods include shooting, trappingand snaring. However, only approved designsshould be used in ways that minimise harmand distress to captured animals and likelycapture of non-target animals.

Many restrictions apply to firearms usedin pest control.

Legal predator control

What can be controlled? The birds that can be shot or trapped inEngland are listed in General Licences issuedby Natural England. You must comply with thelicence when shooting or trapping.

At present, birds that can be controlled inEngland include:

This list can change. Check the advice inGeneral Licences (see note 1 opposite) forup-to-date information.

Different arrangements apply in Scotland,Wales and Northern Ireland. Check withnational conservation agencies.

In the courts • A buzzard was poisoned by an insecticide.

The gamekeeper received 18 months conditional discharge for pesticide offences and 18 months for firearms offences. He was ordered to pay £300 costs.

• A goshawk and some buzzards were poisoned by insecticides, and poisoned baits were left on an open hillside. The gamekeeper wasfined £5,500.

It is illegal to kill birds of prey.

- wood pigeon- collared dove- feral pigeon- crow- magpie- jay

- jackdaw- rook- Canada goose- greater black-backed gull- herring gull- lesser black-backed gull

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Training courses in legal pest control are available from caip. See www.caip-uk.info

1. Larsen trap

What is it? The Larsen trap is a live capture cage using a livedecoy, usually a crow or magpie. When a crow ormagpie is attracted into the cage and lands on thetrip perch, the door springs shut.

As these traps are small, they are convenient tomove around, so a few traps cover a large area.

They can be used under the General Licences1

that regulate their use.

Larsen traps can only be used with thefollowing as decoys: Crows, magpies, jackdaws, jays and rooks.

When to trapIdeally trap in spring and early summer when gameis most vulnerable. Trapping at other times, especiallyof flocking birds, can make them trap shy.

Baits or call birdsCall birds – previously caught crows or magpies – canbe kept in the trap’s decoy compartment to lure othersimilar birds. These can increase efficiency by 10 to 15fold. However, strict welfare rules2 apply when usingcall birds.

Baits – eggs are best, especially presented as apredated nest using dead grass and twigs. Carrionis the next best.

StorageUnused traps should be kept in a store. If left outsidethey must not be capable of capture and any bait,food, water, or decoy birds must be removed.

2. Snares

What is it? A free-running loop of wire; in the UK the use of ‘self-locking’ snares is illegal. For effective use, snaresshould be ‘weathered’ to remove any ‘glint’. Snaresneed to be securely anchored and can have stops toavoid closing on smaller non-target species.

What can be snared? Foxes and rabbits are the main target species.

3. Tunnel traps

What is it? Usually made of wood, or stone, tunnel traps housesmall, legally approved, spring traps that quickly killsmall predators.

What can be trapped? Target animals are usually grey squirrels, stoats,weasels, American mink and rats.

Managing Traps

Always

• Check traps and snares at least once every day

• Release non-target animals unharmed where possible

• Despatch target animals humanely

Never

• Leave traps in a condition that can inadvertentlycapture non-target wildlife

• Leave snares as semi-permanent control measures

• Use poisoned baits or pesticides to control foxes, or corvids

Call birds in Larsen traps increase efficiency by 10 to 15 fold.

1 General Licences issued under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in England, by Natural England www.naturalengland.org.uk/conservation/wildlife-management-licensing/genlicences.htm

2 Guidance leaflets on the use of Larsen traps and fox snares can be downloaded fromthe Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust site www.gwct.org.uk

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Rats and mice threaten the health of humansand livestock; consume and spoil stored crops;and damage the fabric and fittings of buildingsand farm equipment.

Rat and mouse numbers are increasing and few whowork in the countryside are not affected by them.However, much can be done to avoid infestation:

• Keep areas clean and tidy with nowhere forrodents to hide;

• Prevent rodent access to food and water supplies.

When feeding game-birds in hedgerows and coverts

• Consider re-siting feeding stations if they areattracting rats;

• If there is a severe rat infestation, consider fumigating rat burrows rather than using rodenticides.

Rodenticides are one of the main ways to controlrats and mice. Anticoagulant rodenticides are themost commonly used, especially second-generationanticoagulants (eg bromadiolone and difenacoum)because of their practicality and effectiveness.

Traps may be useful for removing small numbers ofrodents, especially small rat infestations away frombuildings. However, large infestations around buildings are most practically removed using rodenticides.

Once an infestation has been controlled, traps can catch the occasional rat. This prevents or slows down the recolonisation of an area. Traps should only be used where they can be checked every day.

Hygiene always follow good hygiene practices. Wear gloves when handling dead rodents, baits andcontaminated materials. Wash hands and exposed skin afterwards.

Rodents and rodenticides

In recent surveys, up to 40% of barn owlscarried traces of anticoagulant rodenticides.

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Rodenticides and wildlifeRodenticides can cause death of wildlife andother non-target animals, so due care mustbe exercised when baiting with rodenticides.

In addition, commonly-used rodenticides occurat low levels in some UK wildlife species. Theseresidues occur after scavenging from poisonedrodents and other wildlife that have eatenrodenticides. This reflects widespread rodenticideuse and poor usage and disposal practices.

Effective use of anticoagulant rodenticides(The following is based on the Campaign forResponsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) Code.)

1. Have a planned approach. Survey the infested siteto determine rodent distribution and risks to non-targetspecies, livestock and pets. Note areas that could betidied up or rodent-proofed after treatment. Beforetreatment remove other potential food sources.

2. Record bait point locations on a site plan. As theprogramme continues, record bait quantities placed ateach point. A full, written record demonstrates bestpractice and allows uneaten bait to be removed atthe end of the campaign.

3. Use sufficient bait points in accordance with labelinstructions. Adequate bait points ensure rapid controlwith minimum wildlife exposure.

4. Collect and dispose of rodent bodies which carryrodenticide residues that could be eaten by wildlife.Search regularly for bodies during and after treatment.Remember: rats travel up to 100m from bait to die.Follow label recommendations on safe disposal1.

5. Protect non-target species by using localmaterials, such as pipes, slates, corrugated iron andstraw bales to protect bait or use tamper-resistant baitboxes. When properly fixed in place bait boxes deterhuman disturbance as well as wildlife.

6. Inspect bait regularly and replenish according toproduct labels, until feeding and signs of rodent activitystop. Daily inspection may be required – includingsearches for dead rodents. Clean up any spilled bait.Only bait as long as necessary to achieve satisfactorycontrol – normally less than 35 days.

7. Remove bait when treatment ends to preventfurther risk to wildlife. Dispose of bait safely1.

Good record keeping of all activities providesevidence of good practice.

At home: when using rodenticides take careto protect humans, pets and wildlife. Follow labelinstructions and the principles of responsible useoutlined above. If control is not effective within 5weeks contact your local environmental heathofficer or a professional pest control contractor.

RAT FACTS

• Rats travel up to two miles to find food,water or a mate

• Rats carry a wide range of diseases

• A Norway rat passes 12-16ml of urineand 50 droppings a day

• 50% of farm fires are caused by rodentdamage to electrical cabling

• Damage on farms amounts to£14-28 million a year

THE SEVEN POINT CRRU CODE forthe responsible use of rodenticides:Always

• Have a planned approach

• Record quantity and location of bait used

• Use sufficient baiting points

• Collect and dispose of rodent bodies

Never

• Leave bait exposed to non-target species

• Fail to inspect bait regularly

• Leave bait down at the end of treatment

The Campaign for ResponsibleRodenticide Use is an industryinitiative formed in 2005 toencourage farmers and countryside industriesto use rodenticides correctly and in ways thatminimise exposure to wildlife and other animals.For more information: www.thinkwildlife.org.uk

In the courts • Two buzzards died after scavenging from poisoned

rodents. The farmer was fined £2,000 plus £200 costs for failing to provide correct training in theuse of pesticides to an employee.

Regularly and thoroughly check for carcases whenusing rodenticides.

Use baiting boxes to protect non-target species.

Rodenticides are pesticides.Use pesticides safely.Always read the label.

1 Further advice on correct disposal of baits and dead rodents is available from regional environment agencies.

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Field or garden slugs can cause havocthrough voracious feeding especiallywhen plants are young. Germinating grainscan be hollowed out; while young oilseedrape crops can be destroyed. The qualityof potatoes can be ruined under ground.

Damage occurs especially during warm, moist periods.

Slugs are most common on clay soils, in wet seasonsand after brassica crops. For winter cereals sowinginto a dry fine firm seedbed will reduce the risk ofslug damage.

The most common control method is slug pellets –a cereal-based pellet with a molluscide (methiocarbor metaldehyde). The cereal content is attractive toother animals as well as slugs. WIIS monitoring showsthat every year there are incidents of dogs beingpoisoned in the farmyard or on walks. So specialcare is needed, both in storage and use.

Controlling slugs

8

In the courts • Four calves died after eating slug pellets,

which had been stored in an unlocked livestock building. The farmer was fined £750 for pesticide storage offences and £1,250 for causing unnecessary suffering to the calves. In addition the farmer had to pay £5,000 costs.

• Two dogs were poisoned by metaldehydeslug pellets that had been carelessly spilt.The farmer and farm worker were fined£1,180 and had to pay costs of £1,000and compensation of £115.

Always keep slug pellets in a secure pesticidestore and clear any spills immediately.

Slugs can consume several times their own body weight

Effective use1. Test baiting establishes if slugs pose a threat tocrops. Use a bait of layers’ mash under a hardboard orplastic cover. Never use slug pellets for test baiting.

2. In cereals and oilseed rape set out traps instanding cereals or before cultivation when there is dewor the soil surface is visibly moist. Set nine traps (13 ifthe field is over 20ha) in a W-pattern across the field.Leave overnight and examine the next morning.

For wheat: 4 or more slugs per trap indicates a risk ofdamage; For oilseed rape: 4 or more slugs per trap instanding cereals, or 1 or more slugs per trap in cerealstubbles indicates a risk of damage.

For other crops consult an agronomist.

3. Store pellets safely in a secure pesticide store inline with HSE advice1. Where extra storage space isneeded for slug pellets, ensure it is secure, dry, fire-proof, and away from livestock, pets and animal feed.

When using, or preparing to use, do not leave pelletsunattended or out of sight. And be careful whenhandling bags to avoid tearing.

Reseal and store any part-used bag. Do not leave inback of vehicles or on trailers.

4. Calibrate application equipment every season andevery time slug pellet type changes. Be sure to checkspread pattern as some machines can spread moreto one side. In the field, monitor application rate andspread width. Check amount of product used againstfield size.

5. Take great care when filling applicators.Use a spill tray and clear up any spills immediately.

6. Ensure slug pellets cannot reach watercourses.Take care when filling and cleaning the applicatorand make sure pellets cannot reach water duringapplication.

7. Apply with specific applicators or adapted fertiliserspreaders. Make sure pellets cannot bounce out onuneven ground/farm tracks. Always use a hopper lidand shut off the flow control when travelling to or fromthe field.

8. Ensure appropriate protective clothing is worn (seelabel for details), particularly when filling applicators.

9. After application empty surplus pellets into labelledpackaging and store securely. Thoroughly brush downthe applicator in the field and store under cover.

At home: slug pellets are pesticides, take care toprotect humans, pets and wildlife. Follow labelinstructions. Always spread pellets very thinly overarea requiring protection. Never place in heaps coveredor otherwise.

Safe use of slug pelletsAlways

• Test to ensure treatment is necessary

• Store pellets safely

• Calibrate application machinery

• Sweep up any spillages

Never

• Leave product unattended

• Store near livestock feed

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1 HSE Agriculture Information Sheet 16 Guidance on storing pesticides

for farmers and other professional users.

Use layers’ mash under plant pot saucers or hardboard as a baitstation. Be sure to weight them down to avoid being blown away.

Clear up any spills immediately.

Slug pellets are pesticides.Use pesticides safely.Always read the label.

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Use tunnel traps for smallinfestations. Check daily.

Chemical storesmust be secure andcorrectly marked.

Put dead rodent bodies in asecure bin ready for disposal.

Use bait boxes to protectnon-target species.

Keep vegetation under control toremove harbourages for rodents.

Set snares well away from areas used by pets andnon-target animals.

Best practice overview

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Use buffer strips to avoidslug pellets reachinglivestock or watercourses.

Keep slug pellets secure atall times and always clearup any spills.

Use Larsen traps for corvidcontrol in the spring andearly summer. Check daily.

Further information

Wildlife managementNatural England www.naturalengland.gov.uk

The Scottish Government www.scotland.gov.uk

Welsh Assembly Government (Technical Services Team)01970 610202 or 01745 535512www.wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside

Northern Ireland Environment Agency www.ni-environment.gov.uk

Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group www.fwag.org.uk

Trapping and snaringGame and Wildlife Conservation Trust Guidance Noteswww.gwct.org.uk

Rodent control Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use www.thinkwildlife.org.uk

Rodent Control in Agriculture - A Guidewww.hgca.com

The Control of Rats with Rodenticides -A Complete Guide to Best PracticeCSL now Food and Environment Research Agencywww.fera.defra.gov.uk

Slug controlBCPC Spreading fertilisers and applying slug pellets www.bcpc.org

Safe application of slug pelletswww.voluntaryinitiative.org.ukwww.pelletsarepesticides.co.uk

HGCA Topic Sheets on slug trapping 84, 85 and 88 atwww.hgca.com

Chemicals Regulation DirectorateHealth and Safety ExecutiveMallard HouseKings Pool3 Peasholme GreenYorkYO1 7PX

Tel: 01904 455775

www.pesticides.gov.uk

Acknowledgements

The editors are grateful for the contributions fromColin Booty, Anne Buckenham, Alan Buckle, Jim Egan,Patrick Goldsworthy, Edward Heywood, Peter Karner,Sian Laws, Martin Mooney, Catherine Murdoch, Colin Myram,Nigel Sharp, Guy Shorrock, Mike Swan and Tracey Ware.

Edited: Geoff Dodgson, Chamberlain

Design and Print: Morley Design

Illustration: Tebbit Design

Photographs: Mike Swan; Patrick Goldsworthy, Peter GreenBarn Owl - Ian Smith

Printed on paper containing 80% recycled fibre content minimum.

© CRD September 2009

The Campaign Against Illegal Poisoning (CAIP) was set up in 1991, aiming to protect some of Britain’s rarest birds of prey and wildlife from pesticidepoisoning. The Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) of HSE leads the Campaign, which is supported by the Scottish Government – Rural Directorateand SASA, Welsh Assembly Government and Department of Agricultural and Rural Development (Northern Ireland), Advisory Committee on Pesticides,Agricultural Industries Confederation, British Association for Shooting and Conservation, British Pest Control Association, British Trust for Ornithology,Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use, Country Land and Business Association, Countryside Alliance, Crop Protection Association, Farming andWildlife Advisory Group, Food and Environment Research Agency (formerly Central Science Laboratory), Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Hawkand Owl Trust, Health and Safety Executive, National Gamekeepers' Organisation, National Office of Animal Health, Natural England, Partnership AgainstWildlife Crime, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Police (Wildlife Crime Liaison Officers).

The campaign is funded by Defra through the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) of the Health and Safety Executive.