Householders Urged to Deal With Rat Problems Effectively as Rodents Move Indoors

April 2, 2013 - PRLog -- Residents are being urged to deal with rat problems properly to save money and the environment.

BASIS PROMPT, which registers qualified pest control technicians, says mice and rats will have been encouraged to move into homes and outbuildings by the freezing temperatures in January.

Warmer weather will not persuade vermin to move out, says BASIS, and failing to deal with infestations at the first attempt will be more costly to both householders and wildlife.

Rob Simpson, managing director at BASIS PROMPT (http://www.basispestcontrol.co.uk/), said: “This is a national problem, but poorly-qualified pest controllers can do more harm than good.

“Rodenticides are a valuable tool for pest controllers and farmers, but there are issues with them.

“There is evidence that resistance to them is growing, and they can also be very harmful to wildlife if they get into the food chain.

“If a pest controller isn’t properly qualified, it is more likely that the problem will not be solved properly – resulting in more call-outs a few weeks or months down the line.

“It is also more likely that rodenticides will be administered, monitored and collected incorrectly, which increases the potential to harm birds and animals.”

To be eligible for BASIS PROMPT, pest control technicians need to have achieved the Level 2 Award in Pest Management or Pest Control.

Registration has to be renewed each year, so members will always be aware of the most up-to-date techniques, products and legislation.

To remain registered, technicians and managers have to gain 20 CPD points a year. Points can be gained through a variety of methods, including training, attending exhibitions, online quizzes and reading trade magazines.

Mr Simpson added: “The key thing is to deal with the problem once and for all, and then take effective measures to stop vermin coming back.

“If anticoagulant rodenticides are used incorrectly and the infestation isn’t dealt with, untrained pest controllers are adding to the resistance problem.

“Using too much or too little rodenticide, or putting it in the wrong place, can make things worse. “

BASIS PROMPT tips for avoiding vermin infestations include

Good hygiene is essential – food is one of the key requirements for pests, so if you don’t manage areas such as waste bins in the garden, it’s an open invitation to rats, cats, foxes and flies

Small furry things can attract small furry things – if you keep rabbits or guinea pigs, ensure that you keep hutches and runs clear of food spillages, or you may attract squatters!

A wing and a prayer – millions of us enjoy feeding birds in the garden. Too much bird food can encourage rats, mice and squirrels, so ensure you only put out enough for the birds to eat

Prevention is better than cure – it is important to stop pests entering your property, so ensure it is in a good state of repair to prevent easy access for rats, mice and the like

Make sure you disturb long standing items – rats are ‘neophobic’, which means they don’t like new objects and they don’t like their environment changing. If you have long standing items in the garden, move them around occasionally to disturb pests

If you think you have a problem, don’t ignore it – pests are easier to deal with before they become established, so if you think you have a problem, sort it out

Think in 3D – many pests such as rats and mice are superb climbers, and are just as likely to be living in the loft as on the ground, so if you have problems, you need to inspect all available areas

For more information about BASIS PROMPT, visit http://www.basispestcontrol.co.uk    

ENDS

Press release issued by Shepherd PR. For more information, or to arrange an interview with BASIS PROMPT, please email david@shepherd-pr.com or call 01335 368020.

Notes to editors

The BASIS PROMPT Pest Controllers register is an industry initiative providing independent proof that a pest controller has received proper professional training and has continued to update their expertise through Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

To be eligible for BASIS PROMPT, pest control technicians need to have achieved the Level 2 Award in Pest Management or Pest Control.

Registration has to be renewed each year, so members will always be aware of the most up-to-date techniques, products and legislation.

To remain registered, technicians and managers have to gain 20 CPD points a year. Points can be gained through a variety of methods, including training, attending exhibitions, online quizzes and reading trade magazines.

By employing registered technicians, pest control companies can be sure their firm is delivering a professional, effective service.

Commercial customers, local authorities and the general public can be sure the pest controllers they use are capable of offering a truly professional service if they insist on using businesses whose managers and technicians are BASIS PROMPT-registered.

Experts from BASIS PROMPT are available for interview and happy to comment on relevant issues as part of wider features.