Liphatech’s soft rodent bait, containing its proprietary active ingredient, sets it apart from other rodenticides in the market says Gavin Wilson, Liphatech’s technical and marketing manager.
For decades, blocks with grains and other ingredients held together by paraffin have been the norm when it comes to rodent control.
However, Liphatech technical and marketing manager, Gavin Wilson, said an increasing number of pest control professionals were opting to use Liphatech’s FirstStrike Soft Bait containing difethialone, an active ingredient invented by the company.
Mr Wilson said the product’s popularity has been due largely because of its success in controlling a range of hard to treat rodent infestations covering the key pest species; roof rats, Norway rats and mice.
“A pest manager was having a hard time controlling rats in an inner-city Brisbane restaurant due to high food competition,” Mr Wilson explained. “He began using FirstStrike and saw an immediate bait uptake, and within a month, feeding slowed down and the population is now under control.”
Mr Wilson said that pest managers tasked with controlling rodent infestations, should ensure they use correct baits if they want their program to succeed.
“Choose the right rodenticide for the job,” Mr Wilson explained. “If you’ve been relying on wax blocks and have no feeding activity, don’t assume there’s no rodents. Test the location with FirstStrike to eliminate any surviving pests. Of course, make sure you place the bait on runways or close to the nest – rodents will not go out of their way even for the most palatable of rodent bait!”
Risk management in rodent control is vital. “Whilst it’s important to implement a strategy to get on top of the problem quickly, it’s vital to carry out the treatment safely. Whether using baits or snap traps the use of lockable, tamper proof bait stations is advised.”
Mr Wilson said pest managers should also replace baits often to ensure fresh material is available. “Some locations have contaminants floating in the air which might taint the rodent bait. Rodents have an incredible sense of taste and can detect forklift tire dust, oil, mist, exhaust fumes and residues.”
“We also suggest you maintain an uninterrupted supply of bait,” Mr Wilson said. “Rodents are prolific and rapid breeders. Some may eat more than what’s needed to kill them, resulting in less for other members of the colony. If a bait station is empty for a few weeks between service inspections, the population can rebound.”
Mr Wilson said pest managers who choose to use FirstStrike should replenish the bait more often than they would other products. “FirstStrike inspires quick bait uptake; it might be helpful to increase the service frequency for the first month or two on a new, heavily infested rodent program. After feeding slows, you can revert to normal service frequencies to maintain control.”
He also warned not to stop baiting too soon. “You might be tempted to back off on replenishing because plenty of bait has been consumed, however populations might be larger than expected so keeping bait available as long as reasonable will ensure you keep on top of any rodent infestation.”
