Case Study: Using Selontra^® to combat an extreme infestation at an Arab horse stable

When family-run JLM Pest Control, were called to stables that housed eight Arab show horses, the rat infestation they were faced with was so severe that the stable owners were purposefully feeding the colony on a field behind the buildings, in a bid to keep them away from the prized horses. Read how the team combatted the worst infestation they have seen in twenty years using Selontra^® and a clever two-phased approach.

The Challenge

Upon arrival, it was clear that the infestation in and around the stables was out of control. It was so severe that the site managers were forced to lay grain for the rodents in a field behind the stables in a bid to keep them away from their prized horses and food stores.

Owner of JLM Pest Control, Lance Moeller, witnessed between 20 to 30 brown rats feeding in the middle of the day, with clear signs such as droppings and smear marks indicating that the infestation was well-bedded in. Not only that, but they found extensive damage to farm vehicles and quad bikes from the rodents, with an estimated £3,000 to £4,000 worth of damage to wiring.

With over twenty years experience in the pest control industry, Lance commented: “It was easily one of the worst infestations I have ever seen. The fact that rats were feeding in broad daylight in an open space was evidence that the colony had been there a long time. With around 30 rodents visible during the day time, we estimated the colony size would actually be over 300 rats strong, so knew that it was going to be a challenge to gain control.“

Lance added: “After assessing the site, it became clear that we would have to tackle the colony’s main food source first – the stores, outhouses and surrounding buildings. We then moved into the main home, where we discovered rodents were nesting in the internal lofts.“

The Result

The team got to work using a two-phased approach, laying Selontra^® at bait points along the rodents‘ foraging route to allow for the natural behaviours of the colony, first within the outhouses and then within the home itself. They used seven bait blocks per wire centred around the main runs and burrow systems, and five bait blocks for the lofts within the house and estate, using natural “protect and cover“ methods to place bait securely at arms reach, while protecting non-target species.

After the first visit, they witnessed an impressive 90% uptake on all bait points, which were swiftly re-baited. The second visit saw a 30% uptake in stables, and the team revisited the loft areas a further three times to gain full control of the extreme infestation.

Lance said: “We were extremely impressed by the efficacy of Selontra^®. With such a severe infestation, we knew we needed a bait that would be 100% effective and fast-working, and Selontra^® delivered results impressively quickly.        

About Selontra^®

• Rodent-free is possible in as few as seven days
• Saves treatment times and improves productivity
• Stops the waste of resources
• Balancing performance and environmental impact
• Breaks the cycle of resistance

Selontra^® is a revolutionary rodenticide bait, controlling infestations in rural and urban settings in as few as seven days.

Its high performance, non-anticoagulant formulation controls up to 100% of target rodents, including resistant rats and mice, breaking the cycle of resistance.

Selontra^®’s unique active ingredient, cholecalciferol, is neither persistent in the environment nor bio-accumulative, reducing the secondary toxicity to non-target wildlife like birds of prey, without lessening its effect on rodents.

Importantly, it’s four times more palatable than most rodenticides, making it a powerful solution for controlling infestations even when alternative attractive food sources are readily available.

Selontra^® is stable and durable enough to withstand both cold climates and extreme heat, whatever the weather.

Information: Use biocide products carefully. Always read the label and product information before use.