Indoor use In and around buildings Open areas

New

User Guide and

Record Book
Access all areas
Contents Page Introduction
Introduction 3 Racumin® Paste is a ready-to-use rat bait containing coumatetralyl 0.0375% (w/w) and
Why Bayer have produced this guide 3 is very attractive to rats due to its high quality food ingredients. It also contains the
The rodent problem 4 bittering agent BitrexTM to prevent accidental ingestion.

Understanding rat behaviour 5 With a wide range of application areas including outdoor – in open areas use, Racumin®
Understanding mouse behaviour 6 Paste is the perfect choice when treating external rat activity that does not fall within the
‘In and Around Building’ requirement.
Indications of rodent activity 7
Bayer and Rodenticide Stewardship 8 Racumin® Paste can be used as part of an effective IPM approach accompanied by the
Effective and successful control 11 innovative Racumim® Foam, a non-bait rodenticide for indoor use, and the Rodilon®
Range, allowing a choice of formulation types for use in and around buildings in the UK,
Racumin® Paste 12 and indoor use only in the Republic of Ireland.
COSHH Site Assessment form 13
Bait placement maps 15
Why Bayer have produced this guide
Baiting programme records 20
There is now increased pressure to improve and enforce best practice regarding the
application of anticoagulant rodenticides. This will help to minimise the risk to non-
target species and the environment that can be posed by rodent treatments. Permanent
baiting with rodenticide is now discouraged unless justified by a risk assessment, with
non-toxic monitoring and alternative control measures such as proofing and trapping to
be considered before resorting to pesticide treatments. In line with best practice within
the professional pest control industry and in accordance with the label, all professional
pest controllers using rodenticides must plan, assess and record their rodent control
programmes.

This guide will help you to:

• Evaluate whether there is a need for rodenticide use

• Introduce an effective approach to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in
order to combat rodents
• Choose the right product from Bayer based on the given circumstances
• Use rodenticides as per the directions on the label to ensure that the risk to
non-target species is minimised

2 3
The rodent problem Understanding rat behaviour
Rodent numbers continue to increase year on year and the challenge to control them The Norway rat or brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is the most dominant species in the UK
is becoming increasingly difficult. and the Republic of Ireland and infest both urban and rural environments. Rats do not
normally move great distances but in their hunt for food they have been known to travel
up to two kilometres in a night, often on mass.
• Rodent damage costs the UK and Irish farming industry between £16 and £25 million a year.
• On average 210 tonnes of animal feed and cereals are eaten by rats every day in the UK and They are highly intelligent creatures and adapt very quickly to ensure their survival. They
the Republic of Ireland. spend most of their life on the ground but have the ability to climb walls, obstacles and
swim.
• Rodents’ urine, faeces and hair contaminate feed and produce.
• Contaminated feed and produce can lead to disease in both livestock and humans.
Rats have established cycles of activity, and as autumn approaches they begin to move
into buildings and farm yards looking for food and shelter. They prefer areas that have
• Over 20% of farm fires are caused by rats gnawing through electrical wiring. good cover close to buildings where they can use well established routes to move
• Rodents are highly adapted to survive in constantly changing environments.
between burrows and feeding sites. They are active almost exclusively at night and
feed at one or two feeding sites remaining out of sight and concealed in family burrows
• Rats and mice are developing resistance to many well known anti-coagulant rodenticides. during the day.

Rats are known as neophobic. This means that they have a fear and are extremely wary
Commensal rodents of anything new in their environment. This can also mean that rats will avoid any new
‘Commensal’ rodents effectively means ‘live off man’s table’. In the UK and the Republic bait stations until they are confident of their safety and this can take up to ten days.
of Ireland there are 3 species of commensal rodents considered as pests: Rats are also very choosy and won’t take mouldy food, they have a highly developed
• The Norway, common, sewer or brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). sense of smell and taste and will reject anything unfamiliar. They can develop bait
• The Black, ship or roof rat (Rattus rattus). shyness – once a negative experience is communicated to other group members they
• The House mouse (Mus musculus). will avoid the bait.

Resistance to rodenticides Once a colony of rats have identified a source of food they will follow a definite route
Multi feed rodenticides often require multiple feedings in order for the rodent to ingest from their burrows to the food source leaving well defined trails or runs. Rats require a
enough active ingredient for a lethal dose. There are concerns that resistance to many separate source of water and colonies can often be found living close to water such as
traditional baits available in the UK and the Republic of Ireland is on the increase and as streams, rivers or drinking troughs. On average they consume approx 10% of their own
a result rats and mice on farms are becoming more difficult to control. body weight (25 - 30g) in food per day.

Recorded rodent control is essential

Farm assurance requirements make effective and recorded rodent control essential.
As well as ensuring that a good rodent control programme is in place, these schemes • Habitat - Burrows often in rough or undisturbed ground, close to buildings and water source.
require the bait to be used correctly, placed in secure baiting stations and access • Social Groups - Live in colonies of 8 - 15. Become very territorial when food is in short supply.
limited to reduce the risk of non target poisonings (e.g. dogs, cats and birds). Dominant males and females.

Effective baiting • Breeding - Can produce up to 6 - 8 young per female every 20 - 25 days - 5 litters per year.
To be able to bait effectively it is important to have a good understanding of the behaviour • Feeding - Feeds at 2 - 3 familiar points mostly at night. Eats 25 - 30g per day. Requires water.
of rats and mice, understand that rats and mice are different and have a planned approach
to controlling them. The next few pages explain their biology, give guidelines on where and • Activity - Nocturnal mainly active at night. Live at ground level. Climb, swim and run.
how to place bait, and provide a section to record baiting activity. • Territory - An area of 100 - 250m. Will travel up to 2km in search of food.

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Indications of rodent activity Bayer and Rodenticide Stewardship
Rodents are nocturnal and feed mainly at night so are rarely seen. The following are In the United Kingdom, the application of professional use rodenticide formulations is
signs that rodents are present. governed by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU’s) Code of Best
Practice, under the terms of the rodenticide stewardship regime. The stewardship
regime is a voluntary initiative developed by CRRU and the users of professional use
rodenticides to minimise the accidental exposure of non-target species to rodenticides.
Droppings
Rat droppings range between 12mm to As a responsible manufacturer of professional pest control chemicals, Bayer is
20mm long. committed to product and rodenticide stewardship to ensure that our products are used
Mouse droppings range between 3mm in an environmentally safe manner, whilst still providing the best possible control of the
to 6mm long. target rodent species. Bayer is also an active CRRU member.

In line with all professional rodenticide products registered within the stewardship
regime framework, Bayer’s Racumin® Paste displays the following warning on the label;

Urine stains, body smears and odour

Rats frequently urinate and leave body “To be used only by professional users holding certification demonstrating
smears as they move around. The compliance with UK rodenticide stewardship regime requirements.
odour of even small populations of
rodents is easily identified. Mice have a “Read the label before use. Using this product in a manner that is inconsistent
different odour than rats. with the label may be an offense. Refer to CRRU UK Code of Best Practice for
guidance.

“When this product is supplied to a user for the control of rodents, it shall
only be supplied to a professional user holding certification demonstrating
Runways and tracks compliance with UK rodenticide stewardship requirements”
Well worn paths in vegetation, footprints
and tail marks in dust, soft earth and
sand indicate a rodent problem. For guidance on the United Kingdom stewardship regime, the CRRU Code and
approved certifications for the purchase and application of professional use rodenticides,
visit the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) website (www.thinkwildlife.
org.uk) For guidance on Bayer rodenticide products contact the Bayer Pest Solutions
team (www.environmentalscience.bayer.co.uk/Pest-Management)

Gnawing damage
The double gouge marks of rodent twin
incisors are easily identified. The relative
size of the teeth gouges can give a clue
to the species.
www.thinkwildlife.org.uk

Please use rodenticides responsibly,

minimising the risk of exposure to people,
pets and non-target secies. For practical
guidance, just follow the CRRU Code
(www.thinkwildlife.org.uk).

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First generation rodenticides and their place
as part of an IPM approach
There have been known cases in these
highly resistant regions where products
With pressure to improve best practice and consider alternatives to the potent containing coumatetralyl have managed
second generation rodenticides, first generation solutions have an increasingly to control infestations without any
valuable role to play in a modern IPM approach. trouble because of the formulation type
or method of control. If a pest controller
Over the years, first generations have Resistance Management is treating in a region where resistance
developed a reputation of being old, It is a known fact that there is resistance is less of a problem, the use of a first
ineffective and suffering from widespread to the active ingredients in first and generation is a very effective first choice
resistance. While this may be the case second generation rodenticides in certain and it will be of lower risk to non-target
with warfarin, many people overlook areas of the country. That resistance will wildlife.
the fact that not all first generations rule out the use of products containing
are the same. Formulations containing these actives in these areas, as not only The Health & Safety Executive (HSE),
actives such as coumatetralyl have fewer are they likely to be ineffective, but the CRRU and the Pest Control industry
resistance strains and are therefore use of these will act to compound the have worked to ensure best practice
a legitimate consideration for pest resistance issue. It is important that by developing a stewardship regime for
controllers. resistance is officially identified (e.g. anticoagulant rodenticides.
rat tail analysis) before discounting
If a pest controller decides that the best products as the real issue may be Pest Control Operatives (PCOs) need
form of control of a rodent infestation palatability of bait and not resistance. to be aware of all the control options at
includes the use of a rodenticide, the their disposal and be reminded that there
geographical location and surrounding is a place for the use of less potent, but
environment of the infestation effective, first generations.
will dictate the options available.

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Access all areas In and around buildings Open areas
Racumin® Paste is a ready-to-use rat bait containing coumatetralyl 0.0375% (w/w) In and around buildings means Open areas refers to any area away from
and is very attractive to rats due to its high quality food ingredients. Racumin® Paste rodenticide controls can be applied buildings where a rodent infestation is
also contains the bittering agent Bitrex™ to prevent accidental ingestion.This within a building where there is rodent a problem, but does not have a direct
ensures increased bait security without reducing effectiveness. Racumin® Paste is infestation, but also around those impact on the buildings or structures.
available in a 100g ready to use soft block formulation that is; buildings boundaries in order to prevent Locations that can be described as
that particular infestation entering the ‘Open Areas’ may include, park areas,
building. Unless it can be proven that around farmland and around golf
the rodents being controlled from around courses. When used according to the
• Highly Palatable - The paste soft block formulation is preferred by rodents, even in the building are entering the building, label, first generation anticoagulant
challenging environments where there are alternative food sources. then rodenticides with an ‘in and around rodenticides such as Racumin® Paste
buildings’ requirement on the label pose less of a risk to non-target species
• Simple and easy to use - Racumin® Paste is a convenient, premeasured, ready to use
formulation suitable for almost any environment. cannot be applied “around the building”. and are therefore ideal for open area use
where appropriate.
• Toxicity for non-target species - Among the anticoagulants, it is one of the least dangerous
to humans, pets, livestock and wildlife when used according to label instructions. Racumin® Paste can be applied ‘In Racumin® Paste can be applied in
and Around Buildings’ and in Sewers ‘Open Areas’

Examples of use in and around buildings: Examples of open areas use:

Areas of Use • Domestic houses • In the field food stores (potato,
sugar beet clamps)
• Gardens where rodents are entering
There are no official definitions for the areas of use detailed on Bayer rodenticide
a home • Country parks near food areas
labels. It is essential that Professional Pest Controllers read the label of the
product to be applied and understand what ‘areas of use’ apply to their rodenticide • Farm grain stores • Game rearing locations
treatments. Bayer would describe them as the following, shown right:
• Around grain stores where rodents • Golf courses
are entering the store
• Sewers

In and around buildings Open areas

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 COSHH Site
Assessment Form
This is a Site Assessment form draft and it needs to be customised by the rodenticide user.
Effective and successful control 1. Site address _____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The use of a rodenticide bait should be part of a planned Integrated Rodent
Management strategy as used alone baiting will not be sufficient. To gain control of an 2. Pest species _____________________________________________________________________________________
infestation there are six golden rules to follow: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
1. INSPECTION
3. Briefly describe the task/process ________________________________________________________________
Have a careful look and try to determine exactly where the infestation is coming from so _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
that the problem can be tackled at source. Typical signs are the smudge marks left by a _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
rodent’s oily hair, its droppings and any damage to goods or structures.
4. Who is at risk? Operator Public Environment
2. IDENTIFICATION 5. Substance/product name and description
By observing the rodents identifying characteristics and by inspecting its droppings, RACUMIN® PASTE A ready-to-use paste bait containing Coumatetralyl (0.0375% w/w) for use as a
you will know which of the species you are dealing with and will then be able to focus rodenticide (PT14), by professionals only. For the control of rats for the protection of public health, stored
on the correct tactics to eliminate the problem. Mice and rats have distinguishing products and materials.
behaviour patterns and need to be controlled differently.
6. How is the supplied substance to be used and quantity:
3. SANITATION To be used as supplied, by placing in appropriate places, as per label instructions. Application rate as
Removing food sources is a key factor in successful rodent control. Rubbish, food per label recommendations, dependant on the rodents being controlled. For use in and around buildings,
or feed should be stored where possible in sealed containers. Outside debris and outdoors (open areas) and sewers by professional users only.
vegetation close to buildings should be removed. Reduce rodents’ water sources e.g.
7. Manufacturer
ditches, stagnant pools, empty buckets, unused water troughs, silage tyres etc. Bayer CropScience Ltd, 230 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WB
Telephone from the UK & the Republic of Ireland: 0080012149451
4. RODENT PROOFING
Email: pestsolutions@bayer.com
Keep rodents out of buildings by closing off the typical places where they can gain
Web: www.environmentalscience.bayer.co.uk
access. Try to close all holes in external walls, reinforce the base of wooden doors with Emergency number (24h): from the UK; 0800 220876 from the Republic of Ireland: 1800 409399 or nearest
metal strips to prevent gnawing and access, install self closing devices on doors that National Poisons Information Centre
are frequently used.
8. Classification
5. USE AN EFFECTIVE BAIT
Racumin® Paste from Bayer contains Coumatetralyl, a first generation anticoagulant
rodenticide with no known resistance in rats.

6. REMAIN VIGILANT • See MSDS

Once an infestation has been controlled there will always be new rodents waiting
9. Route of Exposure
to move into the same territory. Always monitor for new activity and begin a baiting
• Ingestion
programme as soon as possible.
• Dermal absorption
• Wildlife ingestion

10. State the Risks to Health from Identified Hazards

Spilt grain on the farm, • Health hazards would mostly occur through accidental ingestion, due to the inhibition of the blood
will attract rodents. coagulation that cause haemorrhagic symptoms. Significant quantities would have to be ingested to
Good house keeping is provide toxic effects. This has to be taken into account when laying the rodenticide especially with
essential children and non-target animals species being at highest risk.
• Pest control operator to read and follow all Directions for Use, Precautions and Instructions on the
Product label.

12 13
 COSHH Site Bait placement
Assessment Form map example
11. Control Measures
• Avoid all contact by mouth, wash hands and exposed skin before eating, drinking or smoking and after work. Use the grid to make a sketch plan of your main treatment areas and then mark your
• Do not lay rodenticide where food, feed or water could become contaminated. baiting points on the grid. Record the date and location of each bait treatment in
• Prevent access to the rodenticide by children and animals, particularly dogs and birds. the baiting programme tables on the following pages. This will help you monitor bait
• Search for and remove dead rodents at frequent intervals during treatment, at least as often as consumption at each point over the period of control.
foam is inspected and/or replaced.
• Collect dead bodies to prevent public health problems and secondary poisoning and dispose of
dead bodies in accordance with local requirements.
• Remove any product residue when rodents eliminated.
• Leave client with MSDS.
• Read the label before use.
• Update as necessary (site specific).

12. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Wear PPE when handling, as specified on the label/ MSDS.

13. First Aid Measures

• General: In case of accident, suspected exposure or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice
immediately (show the label/MSDS where pos sible).
• Eyes: Remove contact lenses if present and rinse the eye slowly and gently with water for at
least 15 mintues. Seek medical advice imm ediately.
• Skin: Wash with soap and water. Remove and launder any contaminated clothing.
• Ingestion: Seek medical attention.
• Antidote: VITAMIN K1
Seek medical advice in any of the above circumstances

14. Storage & Transport

• This product is extremely flammable.
• Keep away from heat and sources of ignition.
• Do not open by force or throw into fire even after use.
• Do not spray on flames or red-hot objects.
• Keep away from food, drink and animal feedingstuffs.
• Keep the container stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated location.
• Do not contaminate food, water or feeds by storage or disposal.
• Transport classification: 1950.

15. Spillage
• Use PPE when handling any spillage
• Do not discharge into soil, drains or surface or ground water. If spillage enters river or
watercourses, inform the Environment Agency (emergency telephone number 0800 807060).
• Remove all sources of ignition.
• Collect into suitable containers, which can be labelled and sealed, incinerate or take to a special
waste disposal site in accordance with local authority regulations.

16. Disposal of Substances & Contaminated Containers

• Disposal of the liquid product when not contained in the aerosol container by incineration in an appropriately
licensed commercial incinerator.
• Advice may be obtained from the local waste regulation authority (part of the Environmental Agency in the UK).
• Ensure aerosol container is empty before disposal.
• Waste key for the unused product: 160504.

Assessed by: Date: Review Date:

14 15
 Bait placement Bait placement
map example map example

16 17
 Baiting programme Baiting programme
example example

Area reference Area reference

Name and type of bait used Name and type of bait used

Bait point Date of first Date of bait replacement or top Bait point Date of first Date of bait replacement or top
number baiting up applications number baiting up applications

Signature Comments Signature Comments

18 19
 Pest
Solutions Backed by Bayer

At Bayer our experienced UK team

of Pest Experts combine the expert
scientific knowledge of Bayer with a
practical understanding of how our
Bayer CropScience Ltd
230 Cambridge Science Park products can be integrated into your
Milton Road
Cambridge pest control programme.
CB4 0WB
Tel: 00800 1214 9451
Fax: 01223 226635 Contact the Pest Solutions team with your
Email: pestsolutions@bayer.com
www.environmentalscience.bayer.co.uk
questions at pestsolutions@bayer.com or on
00800 1214 9451.

USE BIOCIDES SAFELY. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND PRODUCT You can also subscribe to receive regular updates from
INFORMATION BEFORE USE.
For further product information including warning phrases and symbols the team at www.environmentalscience.bayer.co.uk
refer to product label or www.environmentalscience.bayer.co.uk. The Pest Solutions team from Bayer can offer you:
Racumin® Paste contains 0.0375% w/w Coumatetralyl BPR: UK-2016-
0953. Racumin® Foam is a registered trademark of Bayer Crop Science
Ltd. Rodilon® contains 0.0025% w/w difethialone. BPR: UK-2011-0043, • Technical support
UK-2011-0048, UK-2011-0050, UK-2011-0051. IE/BPA 70181, IE/BPA
70184, IE/BPA 70182, IE/BPA 70183. Rodilon® is a registered trademark
• Tailored advice
of Bayer CropScience Ltd. © Copyright of Bayer CropScience Ltd 2017. • Training & seminars