Pest control industry urged to help protect wildlife

18 July 2019

Commercial sellers and industrial users of a rodent-killing pesticide rodenticide are being urged to sign up to a stewardship scheme to help reduce the risk of exposing wildlife to the poison.

The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) is a voluntary initiative responding to the need for better stewardship of rodenticides to help protect wildlife.  Along with the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) they have been working on delivering a stewardship scheme which Jersey joined today Thursday, 18 July.

Now the distributors and professional users of rodenticide products have exactly a year to gain a CRRU-recognised rodenticide qualification. Anyone wishing to purchase a professional rodenticide product after 18 July 2020, will be required to show proof of competence at the point of sale.

Agricultural and Plant Health Inspector, Marc Poingdestre said: “Rodenticides are needed by some sectors for effective rodent control. Without them, rodents could contaminate and destroy food at every stage, from the farm to the supermarket shelf.

“However, the UK HSE advises that some species of wildlife, such as barn owls, kestrels and buzzards are dying because they are preying on rodents that have ingested the poison.” 

Deputy Gregory Guida, Assistant Environment Minister said: “It is important to look at the bigger picture in terms of protecting wildlife and our island’s biodiversity, the government welcomes any scheme which can help us keep up to date and informed on best practice concerning pesticide use.”

Officers from the Environment Department are setting up training courses on the use of rodenticides, which will be run next spring, which will enable professional users to achieve accreditation.
All retailers selling professional outdoor rodenticide products are advised to contact the department by emailing m.poingdestre@gov.je if they have not done so already.

Small lower strength packs which are available for home and domestic use will continue to be stocked and sold and can be used without CRRU accreditation.