September has arrived and farms across the UK have entered the beginning of peak rodent season. The cooler nights, shorter days, and damp weather all create ideal conditions for rats and mice to seek warmth, food, and shelter. For farmers, this six-month period (September through February) is critical. Rodents are not only a nuisance; they cause structural damage, contaminate feed, spread disease, and can significantly impact both livestock and crop production. Taking a proactive, structured approach to rodent management can save time, money, and stress over the coming months.
Spotting Rodent Activity
Early detection is essential to prevent infestations from escalating. One of the most obvious signs is droppings. Mice produce small, rice-sized droppings, while rats leave larger, capsule-shaped droppings. These are often found near feed stores, grain bins, barns, and along walls. Gnaw marks are another indicator; rodents’ teeth grow continuously, so they chew on wooden structures, feed bags, and even electrical wiring. Footprints and tracks in dusty areas, sometimes accompanied by tail marks or grease smudges along walls, show where rodents are regularly moving. Burrows and nests may also be visible: rats often dig under foundations or along hedgerows, while mice build nests in hidden corners using materials such as shredded paper, straw, or insulation.
Prevention and Exclusion
Preventing rodents from entering buildings and storage areas is the most effective form of control. Sealing entry points is critical. Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as 6mm, and rats through openings of 12mm or more. Steel wool, metal mesh, or rodent-proof sealant should be used around doors, vents, and pipes. Feed storage must be secure. Grain, silage, and livestock feed should be kept in rodent-proof containers and bins, and spillage on the floor should be cleared promptly. Maintaining hygiene around barns, sheds, and storage areas removes potential cover and nesting sites. Controlling water sources, such as repairing leaks and preventing standing water, reduces the environmental conditions rodents prefer.
Non-Chemical Control Measures
Where rodent activity is detected, non-chemical control methods can reduce populations before more aggressive measures are required. Traps such as snaps, electronics, or multi-catch are effective for small infestations. Placement is important: traps should be set along walls, behind objects, and in areas where droppings or gnaw marks are present. Environmental modifications also help: tidying barns, removing clutter, minimising potential hiding spots, and rotating stored feed reduces the habitat rodents need to thrive. Rodents are not exclusively nocturnal and may be active during daylight hours in severe infestations, so regular checks are essential.
Rodent Control Using Rodenticides
When prevention, housekeeping, hygiene and traps are insufficient, professional rodenticides may be required. From January 1st, 2026, new CRRU regulations require that all users of professional rodenticides complete RSPH Level 2 training in the safe use of rodenticides. This certification is mandatory even for farmers holding Red Tractor certification or farm assurance schemes. Without RSPH L2 certification, professional rodenticides cannot be legally purchased. Amateur-use products are not sufficient for serious farm infestations.
Lodi UK offers a range of effective professional rodenticides suitable for varying levels of infestations. Each range has specific formulations and applications to match the severity and type of rodent problem.
Jade Range – Bromadiolone
The Jade range is bromadiolone based bait and ideal for medium level infestations. It offers flexible baiting options to suit different farm environments. Jade Blocks provide a hardy formulation, making them suitable for long-term baiting in barns, feed stores, and outdoor areas around buildings where moisture may be a concern. Jade Grain is highly palatable to both rats and mice, offering rapid consumption and effective control. Lodi’s Jade baits are designed for use in tamper-resistant bait stations and are suitable where moderate infestations require a sustained control program.
Ruby Range – Difenacoum
The Ruby range uses the active ingredient difenacoum and is a multi-feed anticoagulant, making it highly effective for both rats and mice in medium to high-level infestations. The multi-feed nature means rodents may need to feed on the bait more than once, which encourages thorough population control over time. Ruby Blocks and Ruby Grain provide solid and granulated formulations, suitable for a range of farm locations and baiting strategies. Ruby Paste is ideal for targeted baiting in locations where blocks or grain are impractical. Ensuring effective population control while providing flexibility for different farm environments. Correct placement in tamper-resistant bait stations and regular monitoring is critical to achieving complete control.
Sapphire Range – Brodifacoum
For severe or persistent infestations, the Sapphire range uses the strength of brodifacoum, a high-potency single-feed bait. Sapphire Blocks are designed for long-term use in challenging farm environments with heavy rodent pressure. Sapphire Grain provides a highly palatable cereal formulation, while Sapphire Paste allows targeted placement where blocks or grains are less suitable. Sapphire products are particularly effective when other rodenticides have failed or where rapid knockdown is needed. Use in tamper-resistant bait stations with monitoring ensures safety and maximum efficiency.
Monitoring and Ongoing Management
Rodent control is a continuous process, especially during peak season. Even after baiting or trapping, regular monitoring is critical. Weekly inspections of barns, feed stores, and storage areas allow farmers to track sightings, trap catches and bait consumption. Follow-up treatments may be required to address new litters, as rodent populations or “mischiefs” can rebound quickly. Maintaining hygiene, checking entry points, and continuing exclusion measures are essential for sustaining a rodent-free farm throughout the season.
Conclusion
Rodent season has already begun, and proactive, structured action is essential to protect your farm. Begin with early detection, implement exclusion and hygiene measures, and use traps for minor infestations. When professional intervention is needed, select the appropriate rodenticide based on infestation severity and site conditions, ensuring you hold RSPH Level 2 certification for safe and legal use. By following a step-by-step approach, farmers can reduce damage, protect livestock and crops, and maintain a safe, compliant farm during the six-month peak rodent season. Early and consistent action is the most effective way to stay ahead of rodents this autumn and winter.
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