Farmers and growers are being reminded that after 31 December 2024 it will be illegal to use second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) containing bromadiolone and difenacoum in open areas and hedgerows.  

Lodi UK’s technical director, Ross Goodman, says the new law aims to reduce the number of wild and non-target species affected by SGARs residues – with studies showing 80% of barn owls have been found with the residues in their systems[1][2].

“I appreciate that this change in legislation will mean some farmers and growers will have to reassess how they manage rodents in areas not connected to farm buildings, such as hedgerows and open-sided straw sheds,” adds Mr Goodman.

“However, it’s an essential step in the right direction if we want to safeguard the long-term use of rodenticides in agriculture.

“And the good news is there are alternative rodenticides available, that are approved for use in open areas.”

From 1 January 2025 farmers and growers looking to bait open areas should use rodenticides based on the active substance, cholecalciferol.

“This works differently to SGARS such as bromadiolone and difenacoum,” says Mr Goodman.

“It’s a non-anticoagulant rodenticide that operates through calcification, which is a natural bodily process.”

He adds: “After eating around 14g of bait, rodents start to feel ill and stop feeding, retreating to die in a secluded spot.

“This ‘stop-feed’ effect significantly reduces the time for damage and disease to spread. And because calcification is a natural process, there’s a much lower risk of secondary poisoning for wildlife.”

Mr Goodman concludes that while there are various rodenticides on the market that are based on cholecalciferol, Lodi’s Gems Harmonix^®️ Rodent Paste, is the only one available which currently has open areas and burrows use on its label.

“This reinforces the importance of always checking product labels to ensure you are using products correctly,” he adds.

[1] https://www.thinkwildlife.org/legal-teeth-and-rodent-control-update-in-2021-code-of-best-practice-to-tackle-stubbornly-static-rodenticide-residues-in-barn-owls/ 

[2] https://pbms.ceh.ac.uk/sites/default/files/Stewardship-2021-owls_FINAL.pdf