The launch of Muskil rodenticide from Ensystex heralds a new era of bait-based rodent tracking technology.
Ensystex have launched a totally new concept in rodenticide technology: Muskil Dual Active Rodenticide Blocks with Fluo-NP UV tracking technology.
Steve Broadbent, regional director for Ensystex introduced the new product. “The Muskil patented formulation uniquely blends two actives together, difenacoum and bromadiolone, to create a rodenticide that outperforms any other product in the market in terms of speed of kill, bait acceptance, and reduced risk to pets.
“The two actives combine together to create a synergistic effect with each dynamically intensifying the effects of the other, to create a more potent solution than either alone; yet at the same time achieving reduced risk to people and pets. Thus, by combining these two actives, we have created a unique product that kills the toughest rodents, including those resistant to anti-coagulant rodenticides.
“Muskil outperforms the leading rodenticides in the market in terms of speed of kill. Furthermore in independent trials, Muskil achieved 100% mortality of mice and rats faster than any other anti-coagulant product (including brodifacoum) against both resistant and susceptible strains. Yet surprisingly, it has a reduced risk profile to non-target animals, including dogs, when compared to most other anticoagulant rodenticides.
“But it is not just the combining of two actives together that makes Muskil so revolutionary. Muskil also introduces a further new concept, ‘Fluo-NP Technology’, which is an abbreviation of Fluorescent No Phobia. This works to overcome the often-observed rodent behavioural characteristic of bait shyness (neophobia). Commensal rodents are naturally wary of new things; consequently they are usually reticent to feed on a new bait.
“Muskil’s ‘Fluo-NP Technology’ uses a non-detectable fluorescent red dye that absorbs light in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. Recent research has shown rodents do not have full colour vision, and mostly observe light in the ultraviolet range. So, by adding this fluorescent colour dye that absorbs light in the ultraviolet range, rodents identify the bait as something that other members of their clan have already inspected. This means we ‘trick’ them into seeing the Muskil as being safe to eat, with numerous field trials and commercial results confirming that Muskil defeats bait shyness.
“Muskil’s ‘Fluo-NP Technology’ contributes to the primary bait acceptance of Muskil, and thereafter the high quality aromatic ingredients and proteins ensure optimal feeding; plus Muskil has been matchlessly formulated to target Australia’s commensal rodent pest species, particularly Rattus rattus and Mus musculus.
Better product stewardship
Mr Broadbent continued by advising, “Given current residue concerns in the market and the APVMA review of second generation anti-coagulant rodenticides, Muskil’s Fluo-NP Technology also provides for improved traceability. This is because the non-toxic Fluo-NP dye is excreted in the rodents’ droppings. So when you shine a UV tracking light onto the droppings, they glow a bright red. You can then trace the rodents’ movements to locate entry points and harbourages, and ultimately find where rodents are dying.
“Plus the use of a UV light torch allows tracking of bait that has been partly eaten and scattered by rodents, since the actual bait glows a bright red under UV light too.”
Product details
Muskil bait consists of 15g, fluorescent red, high melting point, extruded blocks, with gnawing edges and a hole for mounting in bait stations or nailing bait in place. The product contains no food allergens.
