Reminder about latest rodenticide legislation

Farmers and store managers are reminded that it is now  illegal to use second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) containing bromadiolone and difenacoum in open areas and hedgerows.

The new law came into effect on 31 December 2025. It 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.

‘Right direction’

“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,” says Lodi UK technical director Ross 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.”

Farmers and growers now looking to bait open areas should use rodenticides based on the active substance cholecalciferol. After eating around 14g of bait, rodents start to feel ill and stop feeding, retreating to die in a secluded spot.

‘Stop feed’ effect

“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.”

“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.”

There are various rodenticides on the market that are based on cholecalciferol – but Mr Mr Goodman says 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,” says Mr Goodman.